OCWA will conduct new outreach program aimed at identifying lead, galvanized service lines

The Onondaga County Water Authority is conducting a new outreach effort to help meet new guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Over the next two weeks, OCWA will be reaching out to customers regarding their service lines to identify lead and galvanized pipes. According to OCWA Director Jeff Brown, new EPA guidelines say all lead and galvanized pipes should be replaced.

“We have regulations behind us that will force us, perhaps force us to go and start investigating the service,” Brown said. “You know, we’re probably going to have to start investigating the rights of way to see what those types of services are. So to avoid any of that, please contact us. Or let us come to your home and identify it for you in a five-minute visit.”

While Brown says there are only a small number of leading service lines, he encourages his customers to identify themselves. Geoffery Miller, OCWA’s General Manager of Operations, said checking pipes can be as easy as picking up a dime.

“We want you to check for material entering the home through the floor or walls,” Brown said. “The most important one will be copper. So, with that color, copper will look like a meatball. Take a look at it. If it is copper, let us know.”

Galvanized or lead pipes will look silverier, Miller said. If you see if a magnet sticks to them or if scratched reveals a brighter surface, there’s a good chance the pipes are galvanized or lead.

OCWA is currently seeking funding to help replace lead or galvanized service lines; Brown said these studies are ongoing.

“We currently have a funding request from Congress for over $1 million to assist with this identification process and replacement as part of the budget process for the next budget cycle,” Brown said. “We actually have a small amount of money with our partner Home Service that will allow us to replace a very small number of lead services, with this funding throughout the year for people who maybe can’t afford to do that. We’re also going to the state government to explore funding opportunities, so it’s all there, “We certainly leave no stone unturned.”