Lead Service Lines at WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL Water System

What you need to know

WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL serves approximately 1,500 people in New York. The water system has completed an inventory of its service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to individual homes and buildings.

Here's what the inventory found:

• 2,201 confirmed lead service lines
• 18,637 lines with unknown material (likely lead or galvanized steel, which can also leach lead)
• 3,301 non-lead lines
• 24,139 total lines inventoried

What this means for your home

If you live or work in this service area, your building may have a lead service line. Lead service lines can pose a health risk, especially for young children and pregnant people. Water traveling through lead pipes can pick up lead particles.

The presence of a lead service line doesn't mean your water is unsafe to drink right now—but it does mean you should take steps to minimize your risk.

What the water system is doing

WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL has inventoried all its service lines. However, the inventory shows that more than three-quarters of the lines (18,637) still have unknown material composition. This is not unusual—many older water systems struggle to confirm whether pipes are lead or galvanized steel, especially if records were lost or never detailed.

We don't have information about whether this water system has received funding or created a replacement plan yet.

What you can do now

Find out if your service line is lead. Contact WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL directly and ask whether your address is on the lead or unknown list. If it's on the unknown list, they may be able to help you determine the actual material.

Reduce lead exposure while waiting. Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water pulls more lead from pipes). Let the water run for 30 seconds before filling a glass or pitcher. If you're concerned about your family's health, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.

Stay informed. Follow your water system's updates on service line replacement plans, which should be developed over the coming years.

Next steps for residents

• Contact WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL to confirm whether your address has a lead, unknown, or non-lead service line
• Request a water test if you have a lead or unknown line; your utility or local health department can advise
• Speak with your pediatrician if you have young children and are concerned about lead exposure
• Check back regularly for updates on the system's replacement timeline

```json [ { "q": "Does WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL have lead in the water?", "a": "The water system has 2,201 confirmed lead service lines and 18,637 lines of unknown material that could contain lead. Whether lead actually enters your water depends on your specific service line, water chemistry, and other factors. Contact the utility to learn about your address." }, { "q": "How do I know if my home has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL and ask whether your address is on their lead service line inventory. They should be able to tell you if it's confirmed lead, unknown, or non-lead. If it's unknown, they may help you verify the actual material." }, { "q": "Is lead service line water safe to drink?", "a": "Lead service lines can leach lead into water, which poses health risks especially for children and pregnant people. If you have a lead or unknown line, use cold water for drinking and cooking, run water for 30 seconds before use, and talk to your pediatrician about testing." }, { "q": "When will WASHINGTON CORRECTIONAL replace lead service lines?", "a": "We don't have information about a replacement plan or timeline yet. Contact the water system directly to ask about their replacement schedule and any funding they've received to support the work."