Lead Service Lines in Yonkers, New York
What you need to know
Yonkers City Water serves about 211,569 people. The water system has begun inventorying lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main under the street to homes.
So far, the utility has identified 1 confirmed lead service line out of 10 lines inventoried. That's a small sample; the inventory is still growing. The utility has also flagged 7 lines as unknown—meaning the material hasn't been determined yet—and 2 non-lead lines.
What a lead service line means for your home
A lead service line doesn't automatically mean your tap water is unsafe to drink. Lead enters water mainly if:
- The line corrodes (develops small cracks or pits)
- Water sits in the line for hours without flowing
- Your home's plumbing also contains lead or brass fittings
Yonkers's water is treated to reduce corrosion, but that protection isn't perfect. If you live in an older home built before 1986, there's a higher chance your service line is lead.
How to find out if your home has a lead service line
1. Contact Yonkers City Water directly. Ask them to check their records for your address. They should tell you what material your service line is made of. 2. Check your property records. Some municipalities file this information; a call to the city assessor's office may help. 3. Look at your bill. Some utilities include this information in their annual water quality report (called a Consumer Confidence Report).
If the utility says "unknown," ask if they can inspect your line or explain why.
If you have or might have a lead service line
- Get your water tested. A simple lead test costs $20–50 and tells you if lead is actually present in your tap water. Contact your local health department for certified labs.
- Use a filter if recommended. If testing shows lead, a pitcher filter or faucet filter rated for lead (NSF Standard 53) can help. Replace filters as directed.
- Replace the line if you're planning plumbing work. Full replacement costs $3,000–15,000 depending on length and soil conditions. Some states and utilities offer rebates or cost-sharing programs—check with Yonkers City Water about current incentives.
For health questions about lead exposure, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead information line.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Yonkers City Water to find out what material your service line is made of
- If it's lead or unknown, request a water test through a certified lab
- Call the utility to ask about any replacement assistance or rebate programs
- Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report for other water quality details
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 10 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Yonkers have lead in the water?
Lead enters tap water through corroded pipes, not from the source water itself. Yonkers has identified 1 confirmed lead service line so far, but the full inventory is incomplete. Get your water tested to know your actual risk.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Yonkers City Water with your address and ask them to check their records. If they say 'unknown,' ask whether they can inspect your line or tell you the age of service lines in your neighborhood.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
It depends. Lead only enters your water if the line corrodes. A water test will tell you if lead is actually present in your tap water. Even if your line is lead, proper treatment and flushing can reduce risk.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically costs $3,000–15,000. Contact Yonkers City Water to ask if they offer any rebates, grants, or cost-sharing programs to help with replacement.