The Department launches a lead pipe construction dashboard to track completion of service replacements across the City
The City of Syracuse Department of Water released the first half 2026 water sampling results that show Syracuse drinking water meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for the fourth straight reporting period. The samples, collected by a third-party contractor and analyzed by an independent laboratory, were presented to the Environmental Protection Agency, New York State and Onondaga County health regulators.
Under EPA public drinking water requirements, 103 samples were taken from homes with lead service lines from January to July of 2026. The 90th percentile results came in at 6 parts per billion (ppb), under the current EPA lead action level of 15 ppb.
To conduct sampling, the City continued working with an independent contractor for public water systems with specialized expertise in administering water sampling and mailed sampling kits with instructions to a database of participating properties. The locations were developed in close collaboration with State and County regulators. Consistent with EPA requirements, residents of participating properties collected tap water from kitchen or bathroom sinks and returned the samples directly to the testing laboratory by mail. An independent contractor sent results to participants, and the testing laboratory reported all data to the City.
The Department of Water has also launched a new Lead Pipe Construction Dashboard, providing residents with real-time access to information about ongoing and upcoming service line replacement work across the City. This interactive tool enhances transparency, improves public awareness, and allows community members to easily track construction progress in their neighborhoods. The dashboard reflects the Department’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure and ensuring safe, reliable drinking water for all residents. To view the dashboard, residents can visit syr.gov/construction-dashboard.
“The launch of our new Lead Pipe Construction Dashboard marks an important step forward in transparency and public accountability,” said Robert Brandt, Commissioner of Water. “Combined with the latest round of sampling, these updates demonstrate our ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding federal standards. We will continue to invest in data-driven tools and proactive monitoring to ensure residents have clear, reliable information about their water quality and the progress of our lead pipe replacement work.”
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.
The City of Syracuse Department of Water 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 Department is also working with a technical assistance consultant in collaboration with the EPA to comprehensively optimize the corrosion control system where possible.
For more information about lead safety and the City’s ongoing commitment, visit syr.gov/lead-free-syracuse or contact the Department of Water at 315-448-8354.