VEOLIA WATER NEW YORK, INC. RD-1: Lead Service Line Inventory
Veolia Water New York, Inc. RD-1 serves about 146,732 people in New York. The utility completed an inventory of its service lines—the pipes that bring water from the main line into homes—to identify which ones contain lead.
What the inventory shows
As of the latest available data, Veolia has inventoried 1,878 service lines. Here's what they found:
- 1 confirmed lead service line
- 1,354 non-lead service lines
- 523 service lines with unknown material
The vast majority of lines in this system are not lead. However, 523 lines remain classified as unknown, meaning the utility has not yet confirmed their material.
What this means for you
If you live in this service area, your home's service line may be lead, galvanized (which can contain lead), or another material. The inventory is ongoing, and utilities are required under federal law to identify unknown lines over time.
A lead service line does not automatically mean unsafe water. Lead enters water through corrosion of lead pipes, and that risk depends on water chemistry, pipe age, and other factors. Many homes with lead lines never develop elevated lead levels. Still, lead exposure—especially for children under 6 and pregnant people—is a health concern worth taking seriously.
Check your own service line
You can't always see your service line without digging. Here are practical ways to learn what you have:
- Contact Veolia directly and ask about your specific address. They may have records from past work or line replacements.
- Hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home (usually in the basement or crawlspace).
- Get your water tested for lead. A simple test costs $20–50 and tells you whether lead is actually entering your home.
If lead is detected or your line is confirmed lead, the utility and your state health department can advise on replacement or interim steps like flushing and filtration.
Next steps for residents
- Call Veolia Water New York, Inc. RD-1 and ask if your address is on the lead or unknown list.
- Have your water tested if you're concerned. Contact your local health department for labs or order a test online.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, consult your pediatrician or OB-GYN about lead exposure risk in your home.
- Check for funding. Your state or utility may offer grants for lead line replacement. Ask when you call.
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 1,878 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does my water have lead in it?
The only way to know is to test your water. A lead service line increases the risk, but doesn't guarantee lead in water. A water test costs $20–50 and takes a few days. Contact your local health department or a certified lab.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Call Veolia and provide your address. They have records of line materials. You can also hire a plumber to inspect where the line enters your home, or check old home inspection or property records.
What should I do if my line is lead?
Get your water tested first. If lead is present, talk to your utility about replacement funding and options. Temporary measures like flushing, using cold water for drinking, and filtration can reduce exposure while you plan replacement.
Is it safe to shower or wash with lead service line water?
Showering and washing are considered safe; lead is primarily a concern when drinking or cooking with hot water. Use cold water from the tap for drinking and cooking, since hot water pulls more lead from pipes.