EPA Violations
Our water system recently violated drinking water requirements. Although this was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we did (are doing) to correct this situation. The violations relate to pH sampling and collection procedures, lead and copper tap sampling, water quality sampling, and public education requirements.
Below find more information about the areas affected and the actions underway.
pH Sampling and Collection Procedures:
Failed to collect all required entry point pH, and report results to the state, in violation of 40 C.F.R. §141.87 and 10 NYCRR §5-1.43, and 40 C.F.R. §141.90(a)(1)(i) and 10 NYCRR §5-1.48(a)(1). Based on information provided, Respondent violated this provision in at least the following months: October 2023, November 2023, April 2024, June 2024, July 2024, September 2024, December 2024, March 2025.
- In collaboration with the EPA, NYDOH and OCDOH, The City has updated its monitoring schedule and procedures to ensure all required pH samples are collected and reported on time.
Lead and Copper Tap Sampling and Water Quality Sampling:
Failed to collect the required number of Water Quality Parameters (WQP) samples from the distribution system, in violation of 40 C.F.R. §141.87 and 10 NYCRR §5-1.43. Based on information provided, WQPs were collected from the distribution system once at 25 sites in the July – December 2023 monitoring period and once at 25 sites in the January – June 2024 monitoring period.
Water Quality Parameters (WQP) in drinking water are measurable characteristics that determine its safety and suitability for human consumption. WQPs are used to assess the corrosivity of water and to evaluate the effectiveness of installed Corrosion Control Treatment (CCT). Monitoring these parameters ensures compliance with health standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO), helping protect public health and maintain clean, safe drinking water.
Failed to provide evidence that a materials evaluation was used to properly tier sample sites for at least the compliance and monitoring periods of July – December 2023, January – June 2024 and July – December 2024, in violation of 40 C.F.R. §141.86(a) and 10 NYCRR §5-1.42(a).
Failed to comply with tap sample collection procedures in at least January – June 2024 and July – December 2024 monitoring periods, in violation of 40 C.F.R. §141.86 and 10 NYCRR §5-1.42.
- An independent contractor for public water systems with specialized expertise in administering water sampling has been hired by the Department of Water. The contractor mailed sampling kits with instructions to a database of participating properties. The locations were developed in close collaboration with state and county regulators. The contractor also ensures reporting is done in compliance with EPA, NYSDOH and OCDOH regulations.
- The City has developed a Water Quality Parameter Monitoring Plan to ensure the continued safety and reliability of its drinking water supply. The City aims to maintain high water quality, protect public health, and respond swiftly to any potential concerns.
Public Education Requirements
Failed to provide evidence that their public education activities were conducted in accordance with 40 C.F.R. §141.85(b)(2)(ii)(B) and (C), 40 C.F.R. §141.85(b)(2)(iii), 40 C.F.R. §141.85(b)(2)(vi) and NYCRR §5-1-47(b)(2)(ii)(b)(2) and (3), §5-1-47(b)(2)(ii)(c) and §5-1-47(b)(2)(ii)(f), within sixty (60) days of the end of the monitoring period in which the lead action level exceedance occurred.
Failed to include all required content in its 2021 and 2023 lead consumer notice documents in violation of 40 C.F.R. §141.85(d)(3) and 10 NYCRR §5-1-47(a)(3). Missing content includes, but is not limited to, an explanation of the health effects of lead exposure, the maximum contaminant level goal, and the action level for lead.
Failed to demonstrate that consumer notice documents were distributed for samples collected during the July – December 2024 monitoring period, in violation of 40 C.F.R. §141.85(d) and 10 NYCRR §5-1-47(a).
- In collaboration with the EPA, NYDOH and OCDOH, the City is enhancing its public education strategy with clearer timelines, educational materials, and expanded outreach through community partners. A tracking system is being used to confirm timely delivery of all required information. These materials can be found at syr.gov/Lead-Free-Syracuse.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. Typically, lead enters water supplies by leaching from lead or brass pipes and plumbing components. New lead pipes and plumbing components containing lead are no longer allowed for this reason. However, many older homes may contain lead pipes. Your water is more likely to contain high lead levels if water pipes in or leading to your home are made of lead or contain lead solder.
Health effects of lead. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.
What is being done?
The City of Syracuse Water Department treats drinking water with orthophosphate, a food-grade additive approved by the FDA and recognized by the EPA for reducing lead levels by coating lead service lines. The City continues to monitor water quality, actively replaces lead lines during projects, and is developing a plan to replace all 17,000 lead service lines ahead of the EPA’s deadline.
What should I do?
Listed below are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead:
Use your filter properly. Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, it should be certified to remove lead. Read any directions provided with the filter to learn how to properly install, maintain, and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter. For more information on facts and advice on home water filtration systems, visit EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/home-drinking-water-filtration-fact-sheet and EPA’s https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/201812/documents/consumer_tool_for_identifying_drinking_water_filters_certified_to_reduce_lead.pdfConsumer Tool for Identifying Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce Lead.
- Clean your aerator. Regularly remove and clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
- Use cold water. Do not use hot water from the tap for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula as lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, as well as the length and diameter of the service line and the amount of plumbing in your home. Residents may contact us at 315-448-8354 for recommendations about flushing times in their community.
- Learn what your service line material is. Contact us at 315-448-8354 or email WaterLead@syr.gov or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead, galvanized, or other materials. To find out about what we are doing to replace lead service lines, please visit syr.gov/Lead-Free-Syracuse or contact us at 315-448-8354 or email WaterLead@syr.gov.
- Learn about construction in your neighborhood. Contact us 315-448-8354 or email WaterLead@syr.gov to find out about any construction or maintenance work that could disturb your service line. Construction may cause more lead to be released from a lead service line if present.
- Have your water tested. Contact us at 315-448-8354 or email WaterLead@syr.gov to have your water tested and to learn more about the lead levels in your drinking water.
For more information, please contact the Department of Water at 315-448-8354, WaterLead@syr.gov or 101 North Beech Street, Syracuse, NY, 13210.