“Notice of a Lead Status Unknown Service Line”
“Notice of a Lead Status Unknown Service Line”
Have you received a DEP notice stating “Unknown Lead Status”
What does this mean?
The federal government has mandated that cities inspect all water mains and figure out if the service lines contain lead. If the city doesn’t do the inspection, they have to notify homeowners or property managers.
If you got one of these notices, you might have lead, you might have copper, or hey, maybe you just won the NYC Lottery!
How does lead get into drinking water?
NYC’s tap water starts out lead-free, but lead can enter water through lead service lines or plumbing inside your home, which were commonly used before 1962. Even if you have a lead line, it doesn’t automatically mean your water has lead. To reduce any risk, City codes now require that lead lines be fully replaced, not just repaired.
What do you need to do?
To help prevent lead from reaching your water, NYC adds a food-grade treatment called orthophosphate, which coats pipes to keep lead out. For some homeowners, especially low-income residents in select areas, the City has a program that covers the cost of replacing lead service lines, funded by federal grants. The City also offers free water test kits—call 311 or visit nyc.gov/311 to request one. If lead is found, they’ll send more info and even provide a free water filter if needed.
Or better yet, let us make life easier for you—we’ve got you covered!
We can go to your building and check out those lines for you!
Reasons to change your Lead Line
Lead exposure in drinking water can cause severe health effects across all age groups.
Infants and children: Risk of decreased IQ, reduced attention span, and learning/behavioral issues, which may worsen pre-existing conditions.
Pregnant women: Lead exposure before or during pregnancy can increase health risks for their children.
Adults: Higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney or nervous system issues.
For more details on lead-related health effects, contact the NYC Health Department at 311.