Mayor Adams Announces Expansion of Lead Water Line Replacement Program in NYC’s Low-Income Neighborhoods

On Wednesday, October 9th, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the expansion of a program to replace privately-owned water service lines made of lead or galvanized steel in the Bronx and Queens. The $48 million initiative focuses on helping homeowners in low-income neighborhoods with a median household income below $47,600. Federal and state resources fund the program, including the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s state loan forgiveness program.

“New York City’s drinking water continues to be safe, clean, and delicious,” said Mayor Adams. “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.”

The initiative aims to support property owners by covering the costs of replacing lead service lines, which typically exceed $10,000. It builds on a previous pilot program that replaced approximately 600 lead service lines in several boroughs, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. The city will also coordinate replacements during ongoing water main construction projects to ensure efficiency and minimize disruption.

“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, thousands of homeowners in lower-income areas who need to replace old lead lines can do so—cost will not be an obstacle,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “This program represents the very best of government collaboration in the service of our city.”

“In recent years, we’ve made strides in reducing lead exposure across the city, and today’s announcement adds to that effort,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Through a homeowner grant program, we’re providing a path by which important privately-owned infrastructure can be updated, especially for those families and communities most in need of support.”

“Lead in drinking water irreparably harms the health of children and disproportionately impacts lower-income communities and communities of color,” said United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. ”The city’s work to help families replace lead pipes goes hand in hand with EPA’s new rule that will help protect millions of children from exposure to harmful lead in drinking water.”

Residents of eligible neighborhoods have begun receiving information about enrolling in the program, with work already underway in the Bronx. Queens homeowners will receive information next year. Participation is limited to those contacted directly by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

City officials emphasize that the program is essential for safeguarding public health by ensuring safe drinking water and reducing lead exposure risks in vulnerable communities. The initiative addresses environmental inequities by targeting neighborhoods with high concentrations of lead service lines and offering financial support for replacements. It aims to protect residents, especially young children and pregnant women, from the harmful effects of lead contamination. This program reflects the city’s commitment to environmental justice, ensuring all New Yorkers can access clean and safe water.