ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The City of Rochester says it’s nearing the halfway mark in its goal to replace all lead water service lines by 2032.
Crews have replaced more than 14,400 lead service lines since before 2018 — 12,781 on public property and 1,643 on private property. The city says it expects all lead service lines to be removed five years ahead of the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s November 2037 deadline.
The EPA is aiming to eliminate all lead pipes in the U.S. by 2037 because of their health risks and disproportionate use in lower-income communities. Lead exposure can irreversibly damage brain development in children, leading to mental and physical challenges. For adults, lead exposure can lead to increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and is linked to forms of cancer.
How many lead service lines remain?
More than 16,000 service lines made of lead or unknown material remain in Rochester, 13,789 on public property and 2,986 on private property, according to the city’s latest estimate. In December, the city sent letters to residents about steps to minimize lead exposure if they’re waiting for their pipes to be replaced. It includes:
- Using only cold water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula. Hot water dissolves lead more quickly.
- Flushing your pipes any time water has been unused for more than 4-6 hours. Lead levels are highest when the water has just been sitting in the pipe, so let it run for 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s flushed.
- Routinely clean faucet screens because they can accumulate lead particles.
- Use a water filter that is certified to remove lead.
The city started to ramp up its lead pipe replacement efforts in 2018. At that time, nearly half the city’s service lines were made from lead or unknown material. Rochester received its first grant specifically for the program in 2019. Since then, the city has secured $150 million in federal, state, and local funding for the project.
The EPA says there is no safe amount of lead exposure. You can learn more about minimizing lead exposure and how to check your home’s pipe materials on the city’s website here.
The post Rochester replaces 14,000+ lead water service lines, aims to replace all by 2032 appeared first on WHEC.com.
