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Lead Water Service Replacement Program Frequently Asked Questions 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. Does The Department Plan To Replace Lead Service Lines? It is Albany Water Department’s (AWD) goal to develop programming to assist homeowners with lead service replacement in the future. At this time, AWD does not offer assistance for private water line replacement. Subscribe to our email list to receive information in the future regarding lead replacement programming and other AWD projects and initiatives. In 2019, AWD received $500,000 grant from the Department of Health for lead service replacement. These funds have been used to complete replacements in congruence with other active AWD infrastructure projects. Approximately 50 services were replaced with these funds in 2019 and approximately 50 will be replaced in 2020. 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, Will I Be Required To Replace It? No, homeowners have no obligation to replace lead water services on their own. 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? AWD staff will visit your home and inspect your water service line at a future date. Our staff will contact your household directly regarding this visit. No other action is needed on your part at this time. More resources about lead and drinking water can be found at www.albanyny.gov/lead