New York City lead service line replacement
Short answer
NYC DEP replaces private lead or galvanized steel service lines with new copper at no cost to property owners at eligible properties. Only owners who receive a letter from DEP (or are contacted by DDC during main work) are eligible; DEP is targeting specific areas.
- Official sources
- Last checked:
- Free, no sign-up
| Utility | NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) |
|---|---|
| Program | Lead Service Line Replacement Program |
| Type | Free (eligible areas, by letter) |
| Phone | 311 |
| Official page | www.nyc.gov/site/dep/water/lead-service-line-replacement.pag... |
Who qualifies
- Property owners who receive a letter from DEP
- Or owners contacted by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) during water and sewer main work
- Line must be lead or galvanized steel (confirmed at inspection)
How to apply
- Look up your property on the NYC Service Line Map
- If you got a DEP letter, check eligibility and sign up on DEP's online portal
- DEP's contractor schedules an inspection to confirm material
- Replacement takes about 1–2 days; DEP provides a pitcher filter and flushing instructions
- Street and sidewalk restoration typically follows in 2–4 weeks
Good to know
DEP notes replacing a service line can cost more than $8,000. If you are not eligible, DEP points owners to the optional Service Line Protection Program.
Your next steps, in order
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1. Use the free or low-cost program first
Many utilities replace lines at no cost or offer no-interest loans.
Go to the official program2. Test your water
Some cities test free (Chicago: call 311). Otherwise a certified-lab mail-in kit is an option.
Tap Score test kit (affiliate link, placeholder)3. While you wait, consider a certified filter
Look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification for lead reduction.
NSF/ANSI 53 filters on Amazon (affiliate, placeholder)If the free program covers your line, you’re done. You don’t need step 4.
4. Not eligible or can’t wait? Compare plumbers
Before hiring, ask your utility whether you need pre-approval so you don’t lose program help.
Plumber quotes (referral, coming soon)
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