We need your help to identify all lead and galvanized
steel water service lines in the City of Rochester’s water system.
Let's Get the Lead Out Together Rochester!
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.
Learn more about lead in drinking water and how to ensure you are getting the best quality water possible.
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.
STEP
1
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.
Step
2
TEST
the pipe to see what you have.
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.
Step
3
REPORT
your pipe type!
WHERE TO REPORT YOUR PIPE TYPE:
Fill out the online form at the bottom of this page.
Email GettheLeadOut@CityofRochester.gov
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.