Free Lead Pipe Replacement Program Saves Bronx and Queens Homeowners More Than $10,000 Each

More than 900 homeowners in the Bronx and Queens have saved upwards of $10,000 each through a New York City program that replaces privately owned lead and galvanized steel water service lines at no cost to eligible property owners.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the NYC Department of Environmental Protection's free lead service line replacement program is continuing to expand, supported by $96 million in state and federal funding.

Water service lines connect individual properties to the City's water mains and are privately owned, meaning property owners are typically responsible for their maintenance and replacement. Replacing a lead service line can cost a homeowner more than $10,000.

Through the program, eligible lead or galvanized steel service lines are replaced with new copper lines at no cost to participating homeowners.

The initiative is expected to replace as many as 7,000 service lines on private properties in low-income neighborhoods and communities disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and climate impacts.

In the Bronx, replacements have already been completed in Mount Eden, Fordham Heights, University Heights, Kingsbridge Heights, Belmont and Mount Hope.

Work is currently underway in additional Bronx neighborhoods, including Melrose, Mott Haven, Concourse Village, Eastchester, Edenwald, Baychester, Williamsbridge, Norwood, Bedford Park, Pelham Gardens, Wakefield and Allerton. The program is expected to expand to Soundview in 2027.



According to DEP records, approximately 121,100 known lead or galvanized service lines remain throughout New York City.

Eligible homeowners are contacted directly by DEP with information about participating in the program.