How New York State Is Funding Safer Drinking Water
Lead exposure that contaminates drinking water is a constant health concern for homeowners, especially those living in older homes with lead service lines. Identifying this concern, New York State instituted valuable programs for replacing these harmful lead pipes to help ensure safer drinking water.
New York State’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program
In 2017, The New York State Department of Health implemented the Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP). This program provides funding to municipalities for replacing their residential lead service lines. It covers the full length of the line, from the municipal water main to the home, at no cost to homeowners. Municipalities coordinate the replacement process and are able to receive reimbursement from the state for project-related expenses.
Recent Funding and Support
In September 2024, it was announced that nearly $90 million in state grants would be made available to continue the LSLRP. The funds will be dedicated to replacing lead service lines across New York. Currently, the LSLRP has invested $30 million to find and replace lead service lines statewide, with $22 million spent replacing 3,439 lines. This recent investment aims to improve drinking water safety and protect public health.
New York is also projected to receive over $500 million in federal infrastructure funds for lead service line replacements by 2026. This funding will be allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, which designated $15 billion nationally for this purpose. This substantial financial support emphasizes the commitment at both the state and federal levels to address lead contamination.
How Homeowners Can Benefit
- Homeowners who believe they have lead service lines can contact their local water department about replacement programs.
- Municipalities that participate in the LSLRP will help confirm the presence of lead service lines and coordinate replacements.
- Replacing lead service lines will improve water quality, enhance property values, and promote public health.
New York State shows a strong commitment to public health and environmental safety with its active approach to replacing lead service lines. Through considerable state and federal funding, residents across New York can look forward to safer drinking water and a healthier future.
Contact Walden’s drinking water experts at 516-980-5508 to learn more about the LSLRP. If you are interested in reading further about lead service lines, check out Walden’s blog here.

Image by Tom from Pixabay
Learn more about funding opportunities for lead service line replacement from Walden’s drinking water experts – contact us at 516-980-5508 today!