Lead Service Lines in MCWA KENDALL WATER DISTRICT
What You Need to Know
MCWA KENDALL WATER DISTRICT serves about 3,000 people in New York and has completed an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to homes. The utility has identified 14,561 confirmed lead service lines in its system, along with 15,566 lines of unknown material that may also contain lead.
Lead service lines are a real concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing. The good news: you can take steps right now to reduce your risk, whether or not your home has a lead line.
What's the Status of Lead Line Replacement?
The utility has not yet published a replacement schedule or detailed plan. This information should be available from the water system directly. Contact MCWA KENDALL WATER DISTRICT to ask:
- Whether your address has a confirmed or suspected lead service line
- What the timeline looks like for replacement in your area
- Whether any federal or state funding has been allocated for the work
What Should You Do Right Now?
Even if your home has a lead service line, you can reduce exposure today:
- Run your water cold before drinking or cooking. Let it flow for 15-30 seconds (or longer if the line hasn't been used for hours). Lead is most concentrated in standing water.
- Use cold water only for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches lead faster.
- Have your water tested. A simple test costs $20–$50 and tells you whether lead is actually in your water. Your utility can direct you to certified labs.
- Check your health. If you're concerned about lead exposure—especially for young children or pregnant people—talk to your pediatrician or doctor. The CDC also has guidance on lead in drinking water.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact MCWA KENDALL WATER DISTRICT and ask if your address is on the lead service line inventory.
- Request a water test from the utility or a certified private lab to measure lead levels in your home.
- Implement immediate reduction steps (flushing, cold water use) while waiting for more information.
- Document your service line material if you know it—this helps the utility prioritize replacement work.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 56,540 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does my water have lead in it if I have a lead service line?
Not necessarily. A lead service line can leach lead into water, but whether it does depends on water chemistry, pipe age, and other factors. The only way to know is to test your water. Contact your utility for a free or low-cost test.
How do I know if my service line is lead?
Contact MCWA KENDALL WATER DISTRICT and ask if your address is on their lead service line inventory. They can tell you whether your line is confirmed lead, unknown, or non-lead. You can also hire a plumber to inspect it.
Is it dangerous to have a lead service line?
Lead in drinking water can be harmful, especially to children and pregnant people. However, risk can be greatly reduced by flushing your tap before drinking and using cold water for cooking. A water test will tell you if lead is actually present.
When will my lead service line be replaced?
Contact MCWA KENDALL WATER DISTRICT directly—they should have information about replacement timelines and whether funding has been secured. Federal and state grants are available to help pay for replacement work.