Lead in Drinking Water Compliance
As part of a nationwide initiative mandated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the NFWB is developing an initial inventory of all water service line materials. The purpose of the inventory is to identify service lines that may be constructed of lead or galvanized steel.
In November 2024, the NFWB will be sending notices to customers with an unknown material, lead, or galvanized water service line including how to mitigate potential risks of lead in drinking water. This is also a US EPA requirement.
NFWB’s Efforts
The Niagara Falls Water Board provides more than 2 billion gallons of safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water annually to residents and businesses in our community. While lead is not commonly found in the water we treat or our water mains, we cannot control the variety of materials used for your water service line and interior plumbing of your house, which may contain lead. To minimize the effects of lead and maintain compliance with federal drinking water regulations, the NFWB Water Treatment Plant adds a poly-orthophosphate blend which is a corrosion inhibitor to reduce household lead and copper contamination.
NFWB recently received $472,780 in grant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement Program administered through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Funds made available through this program will be used to help identify locations of lead service lines throughout our water system and inform future strategies for replacement.
Sources of Lead in Drinking Water
Studies indicate that nearly all the lead in users’ tap water does not come from the primary water source, water mains or from the municipal treatment plant, but is a result of corrosion of lead containing materials associated with plumbing. Lead can enter the home drinking water by leaching from lead service connections, from lead solder used in copper piping, and from brass fixtures.
Additional Resources
Health Effects Language for Contaminants