The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering to replace water service lines made of lead or galvanized steel at no cost to eligible homeowners in the Bronx, with funding provided by New York State through the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
New York City’s water:
- Is delivered from upstate reservoirs through lead-free aqueducts and water mains
- Meets or exceeds federal and state health standards
However, any lead within a water service line and household plumbing could increase the risk of exposure to lead through drinking water. Lead can cause serious health problems, particularly for young children and pregnant women. If you have a lead service line, it is at least 60 years old and should be replaced.
The water service line is:
- The pipe that brings water from the city’s water main in the street into your home
- Owned and maintained by the homeowner
This program is free and currently available for homes in Bronx Community Boards 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Homeowners deemed eligible to participate will:
- Need to sign and return a Property Owner Consent form
- Not be charged on their water bills or property taxes
- Have their lead service line replaced with a new copper line
You cannot request to participate in this program. Only homeowners who have received an application or a phone call from DEP are eligible. If you’ve received an application in the mail, you should sign and return the Property Owner Consent form to DEP as soon as possible. Only property owners may sign the waiver.
Learn more about the program.
Use DEP’s map to check an address’s water service line.
More Help
By Email
leadservices@dep.nyc.gov
By Phone
More Resources if Your Home is Currently Not Eligible:
Request a free residential lead test kit for drinking water, visit the Lead in Drinking Water page.
