Program Overview
Welcome to OCWA's Lead Program webpage. On this page you will find:
- Directions for determining and submitting your service line material information.
- A link to OCWA's Service Material Inventory Map.
- Information on lead line replacement.
- Helpful FAQS and links to additional resources.
- Information on OCWA's Water Service Line Investigation.
Quick Links
Service Line Material Identification
The first step in combating lead in drinking water is to identify the type of materials used to construct all customer side and OCWA side water service lines throughout our five-county system. This effort is being made in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revised Lead and Copper Rule.
The EPA regulations required public water systems nationwide, including OCWA, to create an initial service line inventory by October 16, 2024, and submit it to the New York State Department of Health. To view OCWA’s Service Material Inventory, click here.
OCWA operates four independent water systems. In accordance with the New York State Lead Pipe Right to Know Act, the Lead Service Line Inventory summaries for those systems can be found at the links below
The New York State Lead Service Line Inventory and Inventory Summary are available on the NYS Department of Health website here.
Lead Line Replacement
OCWA—Central New York’s Water Authority— is committed to combating lead in drinking water. OCWA’s source waters contain no detectable amount of lead, and OCWA continuously takes multiple proactive steps to prevent lead from entering our water system. However, lead can enter tap water when home or business plumbing materials containing lead corrode.
It is important to understand that ownership of water service lines is shared between homeowners and OCWA. OCWA owns the portion of the water service line from the water main to the shutoff valve located at the property line. Customers are responsible for the portion of the service line from the outlet side of the shutoff valve to the water meter or main shutoff valve inside their home, as well as their home’s internal plumbing and fixtures.
OCWA is in the process of replacing our portion of lead service lines and will continue until all of the lines are replaced. We do not currently have internal funding for customer side replacements; however, we will continue our efforts to identify potential funding opportunities.
If you are planning on replacing your portion of the service line, please notify us at 315-455-7061, ext. 3139, so that we can update our records.
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 worsen 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, and kidney or nervous system problems.
Program Resources
Use the links below to:
- Check the interactive map to see what service line material information OCWA has on file for your property.
- Find out how to identify your water service line construction material.
- Submit your service line material form.
- Review FAQs about lead in water.
- Obtain information on OCWA’s Water Service Line Investigation.
- View additional resources from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Department of Health, the American Water Works Association, and National Public Radio.