Suffolk County Homeowners Can Access Critical Lead Service Line Replacement Programs and Financial Assistance

If you’re a Suffolk County homeowner dealing with aging water infrastructure, you may be eligible for significant financial assistance to replace lead service lines. New York State’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP) funds are used to replace the entire length of residential lead service lines, from the municipal water main to the residence, in an effort to reduce the amount of lead in drinking water. Understanding your rights and available financial assistance options can save you thousands of dollars while protecting your family’s health.

Understanding Your Rights as a Suffolk County Homeowner

As a homeowner in Suffolk County, you have specific rights when it comes to lead service line replacement programs. Municipalities will work with homeowners to confirm the presence of a lead service line and whether or not the homeowner is interested in having it replaced. The only requirement is that some portion of the service line must contain lead, including the “gooseneck” connecting the municipal watermain to the service line, the service line from the curb stop to the building, or both. Importantly, children do not need to live at the residence having the service line replaced.

Homeowners also have the right to choose their contractor in some cases. Municipalities can utilize their own work force, hire external contractors or allow homeowners to hire their own contractor, though LSLRP and New York State contract requirements (M/WBE, wage rates, reporting, etc.) will need to be met.

Identifying Lead Service Lines in Your Home

Before accessing assistance programs, you’ll need to determine if your property has lead service lines. The Department recommends looking at older homes (those constructed before 1940), older areas of the municipality, or areas near where lead service lines have been found in the past.

You can perform a simple identification test yourself. The easiest way to test if a water service line might contain lead is via a “scratch test.” After locating where the water service line enters the building, using the flat edge of a screwdriver, gently scratch the outside of the pipe. If the scratched area is shiny and silver, it is likely a lead service line (a magnet will not stick to lead pipe).

Available Financial Assistance Programs

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) are two New York State funding programs which may be able to provide financial assistance for the replacement of lead service lines. State funding is used by municipalities to help cover the costs of lead service line replacement projects that received financing through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) but whose costs were not fully covered by BIL grants. This unprecedented move takes the fiscal pressure off communities, allowing them to replace more lead service lines without incurring additional costs.

The financial benefits can be substantial. Service line replacements can typically cost more than $10,000. However, through these programs, many homeowners can receive complete replacements at no cost. The State’s comprehensive approach continues to provide communities with the resources they need to improve their water infrastructure, with funding specifically targeted for historically disadvantaged communities.

Health and Safety Considerations

The urgency of lead service line replacement cannot be overstated. There is no safe level of lead exposure. Even at low levels, lead exposure can be extremely dangerous for all individuals, but especially for developing children and pregnant women. Lead service lines (LSLs) are a pathway of lead exposure that we can easily mitigate.

Studies find that every dollar spent to remove lead pipes produces as much as $450 in benefits from improved health, less spending on social services, and increased economic activity. This makes lead service line replacement not just a health imperative but also an economic investment.

Working with Professional Water Line Replacement Services

When you need professional Water Line Replacement Suffolk County, NY services, it’s essential to work with experienced, licensed contractors who understand both the technical requirements and regulatory compliance needed for these projects. Long Island Sewer and Water Main proudly serves residents and businesses across Nassau and Suffolk County with a fully licensed and insured staff that is ready to assist you with a wide array of services. For nearly 40 years they have been serving the home and business owners of the Long Island and New York City areas with any of their plumbing needs.

Using trenchless technologies, they are able to provide more efficient, convenient, and cost-effective sewer line services to residents and businesses across Long Island. For nearly 40 years, the team has been repairing and maintaining the sewer systems of Suffolk County and Nassau County as well as the five boroughs. Whether you are in need of a major sewer line repair, or routine sewer and drain cleaning, their team is ready to get to work for you.

Next Steps for Suffolk County Homeowners

If you suspect your home has lead service lines, contact your local municipality to inquire about available programs in your area. The Department estimates that program eligible costs submitted by a municipality can be reimbursed within 30 to 60 days of receipt by the State. For specific questions about lead in drinking water, contact your local health department.

Don’t let the cost of water line replacement prevent you from protecting your family’s health. With New York State’s comprehensive financial assistance programs and experienced local contractors, Suffolk County homeowners have unprecedented access to affordable lead service line replacement solutions. Take action today to ensure your home’s water system is safe and compliant with current health standards.