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Syracuse is set to receive over $1 million in federal funding to replace aging lead service lines, part of a broader effort to address infrastructure issues that can lead to elevated lead levels in drinking water. The funding comes as part of a larger initiative to ensure the safety of the city's water supply, which has been under scrutiny due to past high lead levels.
Routine sampling last year showed that Syracuse's water met current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, with lead levels below the 15 parts per billion action level. However, the EPA plans to lower this threshold to 10 parts per billion by 2027, a level Syracuse's water has only occasionally met since 2018. The city is working with an EPA-approved engineering firm to study the use of orthophosphate, a chemical that minimizes lead leaching, as part of its water treatment strategy.
The city aims to replace between 14,000 and 17,000 lead service lines, with a goal of completing 2,900 replacements this year. This effort is supported by additional funding from New York State, which has allocated $176 million to improve water infrastructure across several communities, including Syracuse. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of these investments for public health and affordability.
Despite the improvements, Syracuse has faced criticism for its lead prevention efforts. The New York Civil Liberties Union gave the city an "F" grade, citing concerns over past sampling practices. The city has also been under an EPA administrative order for violations related to public education and monitoring requirements.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the progress of the pipe replacement project and to follow local announcements for updates.