Erie County (ECWA) Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Ecwa Direct serves about 313,380 people and reported 248 lead and 4,798 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 111,731 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 15,383 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Free, goal of finishing by 2027-2028
Erie County Water Authority replaces lead service lines at no cost to homeowners and aims to finish by 2027 or 2028, far ahead of the federal deadline. In 2026 crews investigated more than 11,500 homes, found over 2,000 lead lines and finished about 1,100 replacements, helped by federal grants. Free lead test kits are available.
How to get it
- Request a free lead test at my.ecwa.org/GetTheLeadOut or 716-849-8444.
- Allow the service line investigation when crews come to your street.
- Sign the access form if your line is lead.
Sources: btpm.org, spectrumlocalnews.com
Lead lines in Erie County (ECWA)
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 6 parts per billion (2025-01 to 2025-12). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Erie County (ECWA) compares: it ranks #100 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #9 of 490 in New York for lead and galvanized lines. 4.5% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 8.6% across New York. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 716-849-8484 · PWSID NY1400443
Erie County (ECWA) lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Start with Ecwa Direct's official lead program page, which links to its lookup or explains how to get your line checked. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Communities and ZIP codes served
Ecwa Direct serves Amherst, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Concord, Depew, Evans, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Sloan, Tonawanda. If you live in any of these, this program applies to you.
ZIP codes: 14031, 14032, 14043, 14102, 14218, 14225, 14226, 14227
Who pays in New York?
New York has no state law setting who pays for the private side, but the state Environmental Facilities Corporation has given cities large grants for lead line work, including the Lead Service Line Replacement Program and LIFT grants. Most large programs in the state, including New York City, Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo, are free or nearly free for eligible owners.
The law: Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements; New York State EFC funding programs. Mandatory? No separate state deadline; the federal rule requires replacement by 2037. Funding: NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation grants (LSLRP, LIFT) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Sources: efc.ny.gov, spectrumlocalnews.com
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Erie County (ECWA).
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Erie County (ECWA)?
Free. Erie County Water Authority replaces lead service lines at no cost to homeowners and aims to finish by 2027 or 2028, far ahead of the federal deadline.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Erie County (ECWA)?
No separate state deadline; the federal rule requires replacement by 2037.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Erie County (ECWA)?
If you qualify for Erie County (ECWA)'s program, the private side costs you nothing. Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall. That's what you'd pay if you replace it on your own or don't qualify.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on Ecwa Direct's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask Ecwa Direct about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Other New York programs
New York City ✓Buffalo ✓Syracuse ✓Rochester ✓Utica area (Mohawk Valley Water) ✓Poughkeepsie ✓Westchester County (Veolia)Mount Vernon ✓Western Nassau CountyLynbrook area (Liberty Utilities)
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.