NYC DEP Launches Free Program to Replace Private Lead Water Service Lines for Bronx Homeowners

July 24, 2024

$24 Million Program Will Help Bronx Property Owners Save $10,000 or More on Replacement Costs

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the launch of a free program to replace privately-owned water service lines made of lead or galvanized steel at eligible properties in the Bronx. The work is being done through $24 million in grants and interest-free loans funded in part by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which earmarked $15 billion to be used nationally for lead service line replacements. The program is focused on homeowners who live in environmental justice communities with high concentrations of lead service lines and have a median household income of less than $47,600.

"New York City tap water is safe, healthy, and delicious and no one should hesitate to drink it. Lead does not come from the city's upstate drinking water supply, nor are there any lead pipes in the water distribution system. Rather, lead exposure comes from the lead water service line that connects an individual building or home to the city water main under a street. DEP strongly encourages eligible property owners to take part in this free program. Replacing lead water service lines will help reduce the risk of lead exposure from household plumbing and save thousands of dollars," said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. "Nearly 60% of New York residents living in disadvantaged communities reside in New York City, where it is more expensive to replace lead service lines than in other parts of the state. That's why it's so imperative New York City get our fair share of federal funds to expand this program and protect homeowners who can't afford to make these repairs on their own."

"This is a great initiative by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection that will ensure our residents` drinking water is safe with an emphasis on communities that have historically been impacted by years of environmental injustices and inequality in our borough," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "I want to thank the Department of Environmental Protection for their commitment to environmental equity and for protecting the health and safety of our homeowners."

Currently, NYC is only eligible for less than a quarter of the money New York State is disbursing to pay for replacement of privately-owned lead service lines.

Water service lines connect directly to the City's water mains, and property owners are responsible for the maintenance of their property's service lines. Service line replacements can typically cost more than $10,000.

Eligible residents have already begun receiving letters in the mail with more information on how they can enroll. Only homeowners who are contacted by DEP may participate in the program. Replacement work is anticipated to begin in the Bronx this summer. Future rounds of federal funding will allow for an expansion of the program to other parts of the city. For more information on the program and to view a service line map, homeowners can visit nyc.gov/leadpipe.

The lead service line replacement program builds on a successful pilot program that DEP completed in 2022. Approximately 600 privately-owned lead service lines were replaced in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island at no cost to property owners.

New York City's water is delivered lead-free and meets or exceeds federal and state health standards. However, any lead within privately-owned service lines and household plumbing could increase the risk of exposure to lead through drinking water. Lead can cause serious health problems, particularly for young children and pregnant women.

New York City has taken extensive steps to protect the water in homes that may have lead in their plumbing. This includes monitoring and using food-grade additives in water to raise the water's pH level and reduce corrosion of household plumbing, and to create a protective film on pipes that reduces the release of metals, such as lead, from service lines and household plumbing.

About the Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City's water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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