At a recent Troy Farmers Market, I had the opportunity to join fellow community members in educating market-goers about the concerning issue of lead in drinking water. What made this event even more memorable was an unexpected visit from none other than Gov. Kathy Hochul herself. During our brief yet meaningful conversation, we discussed the contamination caused by lead pipes in Troy and the health risks that countless residents face every time they turn on their faucets.
As Gov. Hochul moved on, I couldn’t help but think about the lead pipes she was unknowingly walking over. It struck me that she possesses the power to ensure that every New Yorker has access to clean water. I firmly believe that New York has the potential to become a national role model in eliminating lead from drinking water.
In Troy, the levels of lead in the drinking water consistently violate federal standards. To make matters worse, the city turned a blind eye to this issue for years, allowing grant money allocated for lead pipe replacement to go unused. When local advocates shed light on this situation in February, the public was rightfully outraged and demanded action. It was heart-wrenching to hear parents express their fears about potential brain damage, speech and hearing problems, and other health issues that their children could face due to lead exposure.
To their credit, the city of Troy responded by proposing a groundbreaking plan to replace 100% of the lead pipes in the area. This plan aims for equity and efficiency by offering free replacements for residents, with a focus on prioritizing streets that are being repaved and homes with children affected by lead poisoning. Since May, Troy has successfully removed 75 lead pipes, and they have plans to accelerate the pace. This turn of events should inspire all of New York.
Troy’s success in tackling this problem serves as a shining example that needs to be replicated across the entire state of New York. Shockingly, our state possesses the sixth highest number of lead pipes in the entire country – totaling half a million pipes from Buffalo to Poughkeepsie to New York City. These pipes disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color.
So, how can Gov. Hochul lead our state on a path towards complete lead pipe replacement?
First and foremost, she can sign the Lead Pipe Right to Know Act, which was passed by the state Legislature earlier this year. This bill would require that data about the locations of lead pipes be made accessible online, making it significantly easier for New Yorkers to determine their risk levels.
However, raising awareness is just the initial step. The process of digging up lead pipes requires financial resources. Although New York has invested an impressive $5 billion in clean water since 2017, a mere $30 million – less than 1% – has been allocated for lead pipe replacement.
In 2024, the governor has the power to change this narrative. She can allocate dedicated funding in her state budget proposal specifically for lead pipe replacement, which can supplement the $500 million in federal funds that New York is set to receive for this purpose. This is how we can begin making a significant impact on our estimated $2.5 billion need.
Other states have already made substantial investments in their state budgets to eliminate lead from drinking water. It would be wise for New York to follow suit.
Rob Hayes is the Director of Clean Water at Environmental Advocates NY.
