Water line concerns: How to check if your building has lead pipes

Although New York City is known for its clean tap water, buildings constructed before 1961—when lead water lines were banned—may still pose a risk of lead exposure.

Katelynn Ulrich and News 12 Staff

Nov 21, 2024, 12:01 PM

Updated 10 days ago

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New federal regulations require all lead pipes to be replaced within the next 10 years.
Although New York City is known for its clean tap water, buildings constructed before 1961—when lead water lines were banned—may still pose a risk of lead exposure. Here’s how you can find out if your building is affected and what steps you can take to ensure your water is safe.
The New York League of Conservation Voters has launched a searchable lead pipe map that allows residents to search by borough, neighborhood and more. The tool provides data on possible and confirmed lead service lines.
“The white areas are the hotspots where you have the highest concentrations of lead or possible lead pipes,” said NYLCV Senior Vice President Joshua Klainberg.
In Brooklyn, neighborhoods such as Park Slope, Borough Park and Greenpoint report some of the highest percentages of lead pipes. Park Slope, for instance, has an average of 16%, compared to the citywide average of 14%.
"What the city is doing is reaching out to customers to let them know there is a lead pipe in the building, but not everyone is a customer and gets the letter," said Klainberg.
Homeowners and landlords are responsible for replacing any lead pipes in their buildings.
Call 311 for free lead test kits. The Department of Environmental Protection makes this information publicly accessible.
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