What Is Lead

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Lead is a heavy metal found throughout the environment in lead-based paints, air, soil, household dust, food and water. Lead can pose a significant risk to your health if too much lead enters your body. The greater risk is to young children and pregnant women.

Lead & Drinking Water

Lead in drinking water, although rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning, can significantly increase a person's total lead exposure. Lead enters drinking water primarily from the corrosion or wearing away of material containing lead in water service lines and household plumbing.

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Albany's Water Treatment

To prevent the corrosion of lead materials in the water distribution system, the Albany Water Department (AWD) uses corrosion control treatment for our drinking water. As mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the NY State Department of Health, AWD completes tap water lead testing from a sampling of Albany households every three years. In the latest sampling conducted in 2021 and in previous years, AWD has been in compliance with at least 90% of samples below the action level for lead and copper.


Learn more about water quality from our annual Water Quality Report.


Click here for actions you can take to find out if you have lead pipes in your home.

Quick Links

NY State Department of Health - Lead in Drinking Water

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Basic Information About Lead in Drinking Water