Let's Get the Lead Out Together!
Service replacement progress
Let's Get the Lead Out Together Rochester!
We need your help to identify all lead and galvanized steel water service lines in the City of Rochester’s water system.
Lead is not found in Rochester’s source water or in the water mains. Lead can be present in the service lines connecting homes to water mains and then pass lead into the water you use for drinking and cooking.
Who should inspect their pipes?
All city of Rochester residents who aren’t sure of their service line material. Find out if your service type is unknown here
What you will need
Magnet (A refrigerator magnet will do)
Screwdriver or coin (To gently scratch your pipe)
Flashlight
How to identify your pipe type
IMPORTANT NOTE: If the pipe material entering your home through the basement wall or floor is corroded or in poor condition, only perform a magnet test on the pipe. If your service is not made of metal, it is most likely plastic.
Locate your Pipe
Find your water meter and the pipe part connected to the ground or wall. This pipe comes in from the street and will be the focus of the test.
Test the pipe
First, visually inspect your pipe to see if it is PLASTIC. If your pipe is a bright blue color with a smooth finish and flexible, you have PLASTIC which is resistant to corrosion. You do not need a pipe replacement.
If the pipe is brownish-orange in color, like a penny, or has turned green over time due to oxidation, AND your magnet will NOT stick to it, you have a COPPER pipe. You do not need a pipe replacement.
If your pipe appears metallic check to see if your magnet can stick to the pipe, If the magnet sticks, you have GALVANIZED STEEL pipe. Your pipe will need to be replaced.
Use the penny or screwdriver to GENTLY scratch the surface of the pipe to remove any coatings or dirt to reveal the material underneath.
If your pipe is dark in color, is very soft, and easy to scratch, and the scratched surface looks shiny and silvery, AND your magnet will NOT stick to it, you likely have a LEAD pipe and it will need to be replaced.
Report your pipe type!
Call or text (585)866-9258
If you are unable to identify your service line we will come to your home and do it for you.
Contact us at the email or phone number above to set up a convenient and quick appointment with one of our Water Bureau technicians.
What happens next?
The information you provide us will be used to plan future lead and galvanized steel service line replacement projects so we can Get the Lead Out Together! Until then, if you are concerned about your water quality, you can have your water tested free of charge by calling 428-6680 x1, or emailing WaterTest@CityofRochester.gov.
Other sources of lead in your home
Childhood lead poisoning is nearly always the result of ingesting lead dust from deteriorated lead-based paint in the home. Make sure your house or apartment is safe from lead hazards by scheduling a FREE lead inspection with the City by calling (585) 428-6520. More information is available from the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning.