Frequently Asked Questions

Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Historically, because it is so common and because it has a number of qualities that make it easy to work with, lead was used extensively for many things, including construction and plumbing.

Lead is not found in Canandaigua’s source water or in the water mains. Lead can be present in the service lines connecting homes to water mains and in brass fixtures, faucets, and solder in copper plumbing. These items can pass lead into the water you use for drinking and cooking.

Please watch this "AWWA: Together, Let's Get the Lead Out" video

Lead is toxic to humans, and consuming it or being exposed to it at high levels can lead to a number of serious health concerns. While it is not safe for anybody, exposure to lead poses the greatest risk of health problems to pregnant women and children ages 6 and under, as studies have shown that it can slow normal mental and physical development.

Aside from lead water service lines, lead can also enter the water through:

• Interior lead pipes
• Interior galvanized pipes (especially if there is or was a lead water service line running to the house)
• Interior copper pipes with lead soldered joints
• Interior plumbing fixtures purchased or installed prior to January 2014 before the effective date of the new definition of “lead free”

If you know or suspect that you have lead service lines or plumbing, there are ways to reduce your exposure to lead in your drinking water:

• Run your water to flush out lead. If you haven’t used your water for several hours, run your cold tap for one minute before using your water for cooking or drinking. 
• Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Lead dissolves more easily in hot water. Do not drink, cook with, or make baby formula using hot water.
• Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water does not remove or reduce lead exposure.
• Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. Use a water filter that is NSF 53 certified to remove lead from your water. Customers can also choose to drink bottled water.
• Identify if your plumbing fixtures contain lead. Lead check swabs are available at hardware stores to help you detect lead on plumbing surfaces, such as solder and pipes. Consider replacing pipes and fixtures that contain lead.

Use the following diagram to determine your service line material.

Due to federal regulations, the City needs to know your service line material.  Please report your service line material to Peter Virkler at 585-337-2188 or via email .  Depending on your service line material, the city may coordinate with you for its replacement.

NY State Department of Health

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency