Kingston aims to replace residents' lead water pipes

Daily Freeman

KINGSTON, N.Y. — The city's Office of Economic and Community Development will collect information from Kingston residents who believe they may have supply-side lead water pipes connected to their homes so those individuals can be placed on a waiting list for replacements.

Through an initial form, city staff will determine eligibility for replacement by making site visits to visually identify lead service pipes. Once the tie-in pipes have been determined to have lead, they will be placed on a waiting list for replacement. The form must be completed by 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16.
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The city's drinking water does not contain lead, but the corrosion of lead pipes and lead solder in a home can cause lead to leach into drinking water. Based on historical documentation and service line installation dates, the city Water Department estimates 59 percent of existing Kingston water service lines may contain lead. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates 10 to 20 percent of the lead exposure in young children may come from drinking water. 

"The city of Kingston is committed to the protection of our community's health," Mayor Steve Noble said in a press release. "If you suspect your service pipes might contain lead, please fill out the contact form so that we can identify if your pipes are in need of and qualify for replacement." 

To be considered for the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, which is funded by the state Department of Health, a home must be in the city, have been built before 1940, and be a single- or multi-family structure. Also, a housing rehabilitation specialist from the city must visually verify that a lead pipe is connected to the supply side of the water meter.

Priority for replacements will be given to properties with residents who have elevated lead levels in their blood, followed by properties with residents under the age of 6. Lots will be drawn for the order of the remaining homes on the waiting list.

​The city will continue replacing identified lead service lines through February 2020 or until all the available money has been spent.

Forms to be considered for the program are available from the Office of Economic and Community Development on the ground floor of City Hall, 420 Broadway, or by calling (845) 334-3920 or emailing lslrp@kingston-ny.gov.