A project is underway in the city of Rochester to replace 772 residential lead and galvanized drinking water service lines. This $5 million project is supported by a $3 million Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and will advance the City’s plan to replace all lead service lines by 2030.
The project includes excavation and abandonment of existing lead, lead-lined, and galvanized water service lines. A new water main tap, water service piping, curb stop, and curb box will be installed. Work includes all surface restoration and service lines will be flushed out from the water main to the meter following installation and activation of the new water service.
Lead is harmful to human health and can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. Among homes without lead service lines, the most common problems are with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder.
New York State’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, funded through the State Clean Water Infrastructure Act, has invested $30 million to identify and replace lead service lines across the State. To date, $21 million has been spent through the program replacing 3,266 lead service lines in New York. These funds are in addition to monies to be invested through WIIA and the BIL.
“The science is clear that there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, which is why New York State continues to provide critical grants to communities to replace lead pipes,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Ensuring access to clean, safe water for all New Yorkers is a top priority. Together with our federal partners, my administration is committed to helping communities undertake these critical projects that protect public health while reducing the burden on local ratepayers.”
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Governor Hochul and the Environmental Facilities Corporation for their crucial funding of our lead service line replacement initiative through the WIIA grant program. We also appreciate the ongoing support of the Environmental Protection Agency in our efforts. With the combined assistance from EFC and the support of EPA, we are confident in our ability to achieve a lead-free future by 2030.”
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