Where Does Lead Come From?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal abundantly found throughout the Earth. It has been used in a wide variety of products including gasoline, paint, plumbing pipes, ceramics, solders, batteries, and even cosmetics. Water from lakes, rivers, or wells is not a common source of lead. Lead contamination in drinking water usually comes from distribution or plumbing lines that leach lead. Older homes (typically those built before the 1940s) may have lead in their water through two sources:

  • Water Service Lines, comprising the pipe that connects a building to the water system. Water service lines are the responsibility of the property owner.
  • Interior Plumbing, comprising the pipes, fitting, and fixtures inside the building. Interior plumbing is the responsibility of the property owner.

More information can be found in our FAQs on Lead Service Lines.

Health Effects of Lead

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 the Village is Doing

Water Service Line Inventory: Menands is developing an inventory of all the service lines in the village. Members of DPW will be visiting as many residents as possible to identify service line materials. You may also set up a visit by DPW to check the material of your water service line by emailing lead@menandsny.gov.

Free Water Filters: To help protect your household, the Village will provide an NSF/ANSI 53 certified pitcher filter and replacement cartridges free of charge for each customer with a lead service line for 6 months following replacement of any portion of their service line. Filter/replacement cartridges can be picked up at Village Hall.

Lead Tap Sampling: To ensure water safety, the Village will, upon request, collect a tap water sample from homes served by a replaced water main within 3 to 6 months after replacing any portion of their service line. While this service is provided free of charge, the homeowner or tenant must be responsible for ensuring that the proper procedure is followed. Contact us at lead@menandsny.gov to schedule sampling.

What You Can Do

Service Line Replacement: We encourage all residents with lead or galvanized service lines to consider full replacement. Removing the lead service line is a sure way to reduce your chance of exposure to lead in drinking water. We strongly recommend residents with a lead or galvanized service line within the South End project area to replace their service line during construction. Construction can temporarily increase the risk of lead exposure in drinking water at properties with a lead or galvanized service line. Replacement during construction is also cost effective. All service line replacements within the South End construction area must be coordinated with the Village. Please contact us at lead@menandsny.gov. If you replace your service line (South End residents and Non-South End residents), please notify us using the Notification of SL Replacement form.

Use Only Cold Water for Cooking, Drinking, & Making Baby Formula: Do not cook or drink water from the hot water tap. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula. Hot water can dissolve more lead more quickly than cold water. If you need hot water, draw water from the cold tap and then heat it.

Do Not Boil Water to Remove Lead: Boiling water will not reduce lead.

Flush Your System: Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes for several minutes 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, and the length of the lead service line.

For more information on how to flush your system see System Flushing Instructions.

Clean Aerators: Aerators are small attachments at the tip of faucets which regulate the flow of water. They can accumulate small particles of lead in their screens. It’s a good idea to remove your aerators at least monthly for cleaning. For more information on how to clean your aerators see How to Clean Your Aerators.

Filter Your Water: Many home water filters are effective at removing lead. If you purchase a filter, make sure it is certified for lead removal and that you maintain it properly.

For more information and advice on home water filtration systems, visit EPA’s Consumer Tool for Identifying Point-of-Use and Pitcher Filters Certified to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

Blood Testing: New York Public Health Law requires primary health care providers to screen each child for blood lead levels at one and two years of age as part of routine well-childcare. In addition, at each routine well-child visit, or at least annually if a child has not had routine well-child visits, primary health care providers assess each child who is at least six months of age, but under six years of age, for high lead exposure. Each child found to be at risk for high lead exposure is screened or referred for lead screening. If your child has not had routine well-child visits (since the age of one year) and you are concerned about lead exposure to your child, contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead.

Use Bottled Water: The steps described above will reduce the lead concentrations in your drinking water. However, if you are still concerned, you may wish to use bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Stay Informed

Lead in Drinking Water:

Reducing Lead Exposure Around the Home:

South End Project:

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