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Lead Service Line Information

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Lead Service Lines Replacement Project

Lead can enter drinking water from a variety of plumbing materials. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes and brass or bronze faucets and fixtures. A service line is the pipe that connects the water main to the plumbing in a home or building. When any part of that pipe is made of lead, it is called a lead service line (LSL). For more information on lead in drinking water, please visit the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

Diagram of a residential house showing the water lines and connection to the water main.

In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR). This rule mandates that Public Water Systems (PWSs) create and keep an inventory of the materials used in their service lines by October 16, 2024, and submit it to the state primacy agency. Given the public health risks, there is a need to identify lead service lines on both public and private property so that they can be removed. Residents may be able to personally inspect their water service line and report to their water company, or have a member of their water utility come to their home and inspect it for them. Please go to Helpful Resources section of this page to find the contact information for your water utility.

Visit NYS Department of Health to learn more about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

How to Test Your Household Water

Certified commercial laboratories can test for lead in drinking water. The cost ranges from $15 to $50 per sample.

How to Determine Your Service Line Material

If you'd like to self-inspect your water line, please watch the video from NYS Department of Health.

Step 1. Locate the Water Service Line
The service line pipe is usually found where it enters your home through a basement wall or floor, at the water meter, crawl space, garage or near the inlet valve.

Step 2. Scratch Test
For the scratch test, you will need a screwdriver or a coin, magnet and a flashlight. Use the screwdriver or the coin to gently scratch the pipe.

Galvanized Steel Pipe If the scratch test area is dull gray in color and the magnet sticks, it’s likely to be galvanized steel.

Copper Pipe - If the scratch test area is brownish-orange in color and the magnet doesn’t stick, it’s likely to be copper.
Lead Pipe - If the scratch test area is a shiny silver color and the magnet doesn’t stick, it’s likely to be lead.
Plastic Pipe - You can do a visual inspection to determine if the pipe is plastic. Plastic pipes are usually bright blue in color and have a smooth finish. If you perform a scratch test, the scratch area will remain the same color as the pipe itself. A magnet will not stick to a plastic pipe.

Galvanized Steel, Copper, Lead and Plastic Pipes.

Health Risks of Lead Exposure

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems. The EPA provides more information about the health effects of lead exposure.

How You Can Reduce Your Exposure to Lead in Household Plumbing

  1. Flush your tap water in the morning for 1 to 2 minutes.
  2. Household faucet aeratorClean the faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator) periodically. In some homes, small particles containing lead can get trapped in these devices.
  3. Use a water filter certified by the NSF or UL for lead removal. These can either be installed under a sink or used as a pitcher. A list of filters and treatment devices that have been certified to reduce lead can be found at NSF International Certified Lead Filtration Devices.
  4. Replacing your home's lead plumbing fixtures and/or lead water service line is the most reliable method of eliminating lead from your drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Helpful Resources

For questions, concerns, or to schedule an appointment, please contact your water utility. Contact Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2595 if your water provider’s information is not listed below.

Veolia Water New York
website: mywater.veolia.us/new-york/new-york-service-line-information
phone: 877-426-8969

Village of Nyack Water Department website: nyack.gov/departments/water/informationaboutleadinwater

phone: 845-358-0641

Village of Suffern Water Department
website: suffernny.gov/departments/public-works/
phone: 845-357-2602

Visit the EPA website or contact your healthcare provider for additional information on the health effects of lead, and reducing lead exposure around your home/building. For more information on lead in drinking water, contact the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2595.