Lead Service Line Replacement
The Village has undertaken a comprehensive water service line inventory in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule, (40 CFR Part 141 Subpart I). The next step in this process under these rules is the requirement to replace all of the water service lines made of lead or galvanized steel over the next ten (10) years.
Notifications were issued on November 15, 2024 and went to customers whose water service lines had been identified as either containing lead, as containing galvanized steel which may have been exposed to lead, or as being of unknown material at this time.
The Village is responsible for replacing the portion of all water service lines between the curb stop and the water main, while the property owner is responsible for replacing service lines between the curb stop and the residence. Should you decide to replace your water service line, it is important that you notify the Village so that we can coordinate our portion of the work. This coordination is important for both practical and health reasons.
If you have any questions about your service line, please check out the resources posted below or call us at (914) 631-0356.
For more information on lead in drinking water, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lead Service Line?
A service line is the pipe connecting the water main to the building inlet. A typical configuration of a service line is shown in the figure below. The TARRYTOWN WATER SYSTEM owns the service connection from water main pipe to the curb valve (curb stop) and PROPERTY OWNERS own the service line from the curb stop to the building. When any section of the service line is made of lead, it is a lead service line.
What Do I Need to Understand If I have a Lead Service Line?
Having a lead service line doesn’t necessarily mean your drinking water contains an elevated level of lead. However, a lead service line has been identified as a source of lead and may contribute to lead in drinking water. This can happen when the characteristics of water (for example, low pH) increase the corrosion of lead pipes. For many decades, the Village has implemented a regular monitoring program for lead in our water supply. This includes regular water sampling from thirty (30) homes with known lead service lines. As reported in our Annual Water Quality report, the Village performed the required sampling for the year 2022 and zero (0) samples exceeded the minimum acceptable lead levels of 15 micrograms per liter (ug/l). Removing the lead service line is a sure way to reduce your chance of exposure to lead in drinking water.
What Are the Health Effects of Lead in Drinking Water?
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.
What Can I Do To Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water?
- Use your filter properly. Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/home-drinking-water-filtration-fact-sheet and EPA’s Consumer Tool for Identifying Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce Lead.
- Clean your aerator. Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
- Use cold water. Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home. Residents may contact us at (914) 631-0356 for recommendations about flushing times.
- Learn what your service line material is. Contact us at (914) 631-0356 or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead, galvanized, or other materials. Protect Your Tap: A quick check for lead is EPA’s on-line step by step guide to learn how to find lead pipes in your home.
- Learn about construction in your neighborhood. Contact us (914) 631-0356 to find out about any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your service line. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line if present. You may also check on the Tarrytown website for updates.
- Have your water tested. The New York State Department of Health has an online tool to find labs certified to test potable water: https://apps.health.ny.gov/pubdoh/applinks/wc/elappublicweb/
How do I get my children tested for or lead exposure?
A family doctor or pediatrician can perform a blood test for lead and provide information about the health effects of lead. State, city, or county departments of health can also provide information about how you can have your child's blood tested for lead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends public health actions when the level of lead in a child’s blood is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or more. For more information and links to CDC’s website, please visit https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water.
Lead Service Line Information and Resources
New York State on Lead in Drinking Water
EPA on Lead in Drinking Water
New York State Certified Labs to Test Drinking Water
EPA Consumer Tool for Identifying Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce Lead
EPA Water Filtration Fact Sheet
EPA: Protect Your Pipe - A Quick Check for Lead
CDC: Testing Children for Lead Poisoning in Children
Video Guidance
