Niagara County Department of Health addresses recent letters on lead in drinking water

Submitted by the Niagara County Department of Health

The Niagara County Department of Health is responding to recent letters sent by local water authorities to residents regarding service line materials. These letters are part of federally mandated efforts under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), aimed at reducing the risk of lead exposure through drinking water systems.

Clarifying purpose of letters

The letters do not necessarily indicate the presence of lead pipes in your home or exposure to lead through drinking water. Instead, they are part of an initiative to inventory service line materials and identify unknown or lead-containing lines.

•For unknown service lines: Residents may receive requests to self-report service line materials or information about upcoming inspections. Tools such as the EPA’s “Protect Your Tap” guide can assist homeowners in identifying their service line materials.

•For identified lead or galvanized pipes: Residents will be informed and provided with resources to minimize lead exposure, such as proper use of water filters and flushing taps before use.

Visit the NCDOH website at www.niagaracounty.gov/health for more details about the inventory process and recommended actions for residents.

Niagara County drinking water safety

The Niagara County Water District, which provides drinking water to all of the towns and villages within Niagara County, as well as the Niagara Falls Water Board, utilizes corrosion control treatments to limit lead release into drinking water. All public water systems are tested regularly for compliance with New York state’s lead and copper rule, and no exceedances of regulatory limits for lead or copper have been reported in Niagara County.

What can residents do

The NCDOH encourages residents to take steps to reduce lead exposure:

•Determine your service line material and report findings to your local water authority.

•Follow water safety practices, such as flushing taps, cleaning aerators, and using cold water for drinking or cooking.

•Address lead risks in the home, including proper maintenance of painted surfaces and regular cleaning to reduce lead dust.

Future efforts and support

The service line inventory is the first step toward identifying and replacing lead service lines if necessary. Once the inventory is complete, funding opportunities may become available to support replacements and other lead-reduction initiatives.

"We appreciate the opportunity to educate our community about the environmental factors that impact their health and that of their families," said Daniel J. Stapleton, public health director. "Through collaboration with our partners, we can address these challenges together and promote healthier outcomes for everyone."

A greater concern: lead in homes

While addressing lead in water is important, the primary source of lead poisoning in Niagara County comes from lead-based paint and dust in homes built before 1978. This is especially dangerous for children under 6, who are at risk for lifelong health impacts from even small amounts of lead exposure.

•Lead poisoning most often occurs from peeling or chipping paint, with friction surfaces such as windows and doors being the highest risk areas.

•A child’s blood lead level as low as 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) is considered unsafe, underscoring the need for vigilance in older homes.

Parents concerned about lead exposure should contact their pediatrician or the NCDOH for testing and resources.

For more information about protecting your family from lead exposure in water and at home, visit the NCDOH website at https://www.niagaracounty.gov/departments/a-f/environmental_health/lead_hazard_information/index.php or contact the Department of Health directly at 716-278-8588.