Lead and Drinking Water

New York City water is virtually lead-free when it is delivered from the City’s upstate reservoir system, but water can absorb lead from solder, fixtures, and pipes found in the plumbing of some buildings or homes. It is possible that this can increase your potential for exposure. For answers to commonly asked questions:

Visit Lead in Household Plumbing FAQs
Download Lead-Free NYC: Get the Facts on Tap Water

For information about lead testing results in New York City Public Schools, visit the NYC Department of Education website.

Lead Service Lines

Water service lines connect your home’s plumbing to the City’s water main in the street. Homeowners own and are responsible for their service line in its entirety. Learn more about DEP’s Service Line Protection Program.

While water service lines made of lead have been banned since 1961 and the use of lead in household plumbing has been banned since 1987, some older homes (particularly 1-to-4-family homes) may still have lead pipes and fixtures.

Lead Service Line Map

You can search the NYC Service Line Map to see if your property has a lead service line. If you have questions about this map, please visit Water Service Line Map FAQs.

Request a Lead Test Kit

To request a free lead test kit, call 311 or fill in this online form. Due to high volume please be patient as we address your request. Only one kit per household will be provided at this time.

If you have already received your lead test kit in the mail, visit Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit for step-by-step sampling instructions (available in multiple languages) and an instructional how-to video.

How NYC is Reducing Your Exposure to Lead in Household Plumbing

New York City’s water is delivered from upstate reservoirs through lead-free aqueducts and water mains. DEP treats the city’s water supply by adjusting the pH and by adding orthophosphate, a common food additive, which forms a protective barrier on plumbing. DEP regularly tests tap water throughout the five boroughs to monitor the effectiveness of this treatment.

To learn more about NYC’s drinking water quality and lead in drinking water visit nyc.gov/waterqualityreport.

NYC’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program

Visit Lead Service Line Replacement Program to learn more and determine if your property is eligible.

How You Can Reduce Your Exposure to Lead in Household Plumbing

Flush your tap water in the morning until you notice a colder water temperature. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. The colder water is an indication that the water sitting in your home piping overnight has been flushed and you are pulling fresh water from the City’s water mains.
Clean the faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator) periodically. In some homes, small particles containing lead can get trapped in these devices.
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.
The surest way to remove lead from your drinking water is to replace your lead water service line and/or lead plumbing fixtures in your home. You can do that by hiring a licensed master plumber.

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.

Learn more about the health risks of lead poisoning and what you can do to prevent it from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

For more information on health effects of lead exposure, contact the NYC Health Department by calling 311, or contact the New York State Department of Health by calling the toll-free number (within New York State) 1-800-458-1158, extension 27650, or out of state at (518) 402-7650, or by email at bpwsp@health.ny.gov.

For additional information and resources from the US Environmental Protection Agency, visit epa.gov/lead or call 1-800-424-LEAD.

Testing for Lead in Children

New York State Law requires primary health care providers test the blood of every child for lead at one and two years of age as part of routine well-child care. In addition, at each well-child visit, primary providers must assess all children six months to six years of age for lead exposure and test those found to be at risk.