Mayor Eric Adams expands a free program to replace privately-owned water service lines made of lead or galvanized steel at eligible properties in the Bronx and Queens. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.
On October 9, 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the expansion of the lead service line replacement program. Through this free program, the City will cover the replacement of privately-owned water service lines, made of lead or galvanized steel, at eligible properties in the Bronx and Queens. 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, which are estimated to cost more than $10,000.
The goal of the program is to replace the water service lines in environmental justice communities with high concentrations of lead service lines and a median household income of less than $47,600. The $48 million program is being funded by $15 billion from the Biden-Harris administration’s federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and by New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s state loan forgiveness program.
The City has taken measures to reduce the amount of lead in the water supply in accordance with federal and state health standards. This includes using safe-to-drink additives in water that raises pH levels, reducing corrosion of household plumbing, and creating a protective film on pipes that reduces the release of metals, such as lead, from service lines and household plumbing.
Some properties in the Bronx are currently participating in the lead service line replacement program. Those in the Bronx are eligible to participate in the program have already begun receiving letters in the mail with more information on how they can enroll in the program, Queens residents will begin receiving letters next year. Only homeowners who are contacted by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection may participate in the program.
Prior to the enactment of the lead service line replacement program the New York City Department of Environmental Protection completed a pilot program in 2022 where approximately 600 privately-owned lead service lines were replaced in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island free of charge for property owners.
Through the New York City Department of Environmental Protection water main replacement and emergency construction projects and pilot projects the City will be offering to replace privately-owned lead service lines while completing work on city-owned water mains. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection and its contractors will commence free service line replacements to eligible properties in select locations this fall.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “New York City’s drinking water continues to be safe, clean, and delicious. With this expanded program, we’re helping thousands of homeowners in low-income neighborhoods afford important infrastructure work that will do even more to prevent lead exposure. And outside of this program, we will continue to test, filter, and treat our water supply to keep all New Yorkers safe and well-hydrated.”
Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi said, “New York has some of the best, safest, cleanest water in the world. Now, thanks to a $48 million grant from the Biden-Harris administration and our Federal Infrastructure Funding task force’s ongoing work, thousands of homeowners in lower-income areas who need to replace individual old lead lines can do so – and cost will not be an obstacle. This program represents the very best of government collaboration in service of our city. Thank you to everyone who made it happen.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)