Lead in drinking water

Lead Service Lines Frequently Asked Questions                                                      CITY OF RENSSELAER LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY (LSLI)

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN DRINKING WATER

Who Owns Water Service Lines? The water service line is the pipe that connects your home to the City-owned water main. Water service lines are property of the homeowner, and homeowners are generally responsible for their upkeep.

Why Does The Department Need To Know What Material My Water Service Line Is? Gathering information on where lead services are located within the City will help with our effort to eventually replace lead service lines. The information submitted is only to create an inventory to assist in program development.

If My Water Service Is Lead, Should I Do Anything? We suggest testing your tap water for lead.    The Department of Health offers free lead testing. You can also take actions to help reduce your lead exposure in drinking water.

What If I Can’t Determine The Material Of My Service Line Or Can’t Use The Online Submission Form? Please call 518-462-6466 to schedule an appointment with the Water Department confirm your water service material.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TESTING PIPE IN PDF FORM

Lead Pipe:  A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe. Scratch the pipe with a coin. If the scraped area is shiny silver and flakes off, the service line is lead.  

Copper Pipe:  A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe. Scratch the pipe with a penny. If the scraped area is copper in color, like a penny, your service line is copper. 

Galvanized Steel Pipe: If a magnet sticks to the surface, your service line is galvanized steel. A scratch test is not needed. If you scratch the pipe, it will remain dull gray.  

PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS TO THE WATER DEPARTMENT.