Did you receive this notice?
Important Information: Your Drinking Water Service Line Lead Status Unknown.
Are you a homeowner in NYS that received a notice of possible lead exposure in your drinking water service line? In 2024, New York State passed the Lead Pipe Right to Know Act and a U.S. EPA mandate required public water systems to now disclose lead in water service lines. These measures give homeowners new insights into potential lead exposure in their public water supply.
In November, NYS required towns to begin notifying homeowners that connect to public water / city water of potential lead exposure through their water service line. I received one of these notices to my own 100 year old home as the materials used in the pipe delivering water into our house was unknown. The risk for us a lead service line that would directly deliver water contaminated with lead to our home on a daily basis. Although I use a water softener and reverse osmosis filtration system in my home, I still arranged for the free inspection from the town to learn more about the material of my water service line.
If you have received one of these notices from your town or suspect lead in your water, you should test your water immediately and arrange for the free inspection from NYS. While the inspectors will identify the materials in the water service line, it is typically the homeowners responsibility to replace the lead pipe on the customer/homeowners side of the connection or to install a water filtration system to eradicate the lead from the water.
Why is lead so dangerous?
Lead is invisible:
Lead dissolved in water is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect through sensory means.
Testing is crucial:
The only way to determine if your water contains lead is through laboratory testing.
Sources of lead in water:
Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing pipes and fixtures containing lead corrode, allowing the lead to dissolve or flake into the water.
Signs of potential lead contamination:
While lead itself doesn't cause discoloration, rust-colored water, or cloudy water might indicate other issues that could lead to lead contamination, so it's important to have your water tested if you notice such signs.
Lead in Drinking Water Poses Serious Health Risks.
Lead exposure poses serious risks, especially to children and pregnant women. It can cause developmental delays, learning issues, and organ damage. While lead paint is a common source, drinking water can account for up to 20% of lead exposure — and for infants on formula, it can be even higher.
Lead can be in City Water/Public Water or Well Water
City Water: Homes built before 1950 may have lead service lines connecting the property to the water main — the most common cause of lead in city/public water. Water systems may use corrosion inhibitors to reduce leaching, but lead can still enter if pipes are disturbed.
Well Water: While wells aren’t part of public systems, older plumbing or brass fixtures may still contain lead. Testing is the homeowner’s responsibility.
Steps to Protect Your Home From Lead in the Water Supply
Check Your Home’s Pipes: Identify if your property has a lead service line. Lead pipes are typically dull gray and easily scratched with a key.
Test Your Water: Contact your utility or use a certified lab to perform a water test for lead.
Flush Your Taps: After water has been stagnant, run taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use.
Install a Filter: Use an NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 certified filter designed to reduce lead.
Lead Treatment Solutions from Safewelltech
At Safewelltech, we provide effective lead treatment solutions tailored for public/city water consumers. Recommended options include:
Reverse Osmosis Systems: Highly effective at removing lead and other contaminants.
Carbon Block Filters: Simple and affordable, ideal for point-of-use filtration.
Bone Char Filters: A proven method for removing lead, fluoride, and heavy metals from drinking water.
If you're concerned about lead in your drinking water, contact Safewelltech today for expert testing, guidance, and customized filtration solutions to keep your family safe.