Lead Service Line Replacement Program

Like most older cities, homes in Troy that were built before the 1940s often have a lead water service line—the pipe that connects the city water supply to your household plumbing. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) operates several programs for lead service line replacement. The programs are either initiated by DPU or by the customer. Read below to find out more about these programs.

These programs are most effective when DPU knows the makeup of your home’s water service line. Tell DPU what your water service line is made of.

A map of reported service lines is available for viewing or information about the material of your service line.

Lead Replacements During Planned Improvements

Each year, DPU replaces lead service pipes in conjunction with other construction projects including sidewalk replacement (CDBG) and street paving (CHIPS) programs. DPU will contact you if there are any planned projects in your neighborhood.

During these planned projects, replacement of both portions of a lead service line is free for all residents, regardless of income. We strongly encourage property owners to take advantage of this opportunity so that we can replace the entire lead pipe at one time.

This program is most effective when DPU knows the makeup of your home’s water service line. Tell DPU what your water service line is made of.

For more information about these projects, call 518-237-0343 or email maps@troyny.gov.

Planned projects for 2023:

• 5th Avenue between 102nd and 104th Streets.
• State Street between River Street and 2nd Street.
• 4th Street between Adams and Division Streets.

Voluntary Lead Replacements

If no capital improvement projects are planned for your neighborhood, customers may replace their lead service line voluntarily. In this case, the property owner is responsible for the cost of replacing the customer-owned portion of the line. If the city-owned portion is also made of lead, DPU is responsible for replacing that portion.

If you plan to replace your portion of a lead service line, please inform DPU as soon as possible by filling out a Notification of customer-side replacement (PDF). DPU will make every effort to replace the city-owned portion at the same time as the customer-owned portion. If simultaneous replacement is not possible, DPU will replace its portion as soon as practicable but no later than 45 days from the date the customer replaces its portion.

If you have replaced your portion of a lead service line within the past six months, please inform DPU as soon as possible by filling out a Notification of customer-side replacement (PDF). DPU will replace its portion within 45 days from the day it became aware of the customer replacement.

It’s important to avoid partial lead service line replacements, where only one portion of the line is replaced while the other remains lead. Research has shown that this can increase short-term lead exposure.

Understanding Your Water Service Line

The portion of the water service line between the water main and the curb stop is owned by the City, while the customer owns the portion from the curb stop into the building.

It is easy to identify your water service line material! Tell DPU what your water service line is made of.

Do I Have a Lead Service Line?