Lead in Water in West Henrietta, NY: 0.0040 mg/L
Avg lead: 0.0040 mg/L · EPA limit: 0.015 mg/L · Updated
Key fact: Lead contamination comes from YOUR HOME PIPES, not the treatment plant. Even safe water can pick up lead from older plumbing.
Data: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau (ACS) Last verified:
What does lead sampling reveal for West Henrietta? The community figure clocks in at 0.0040 mg/L, well under the EPA's mandatory-action point. Homes predating 1986, however, may record higher at the tap regardless of the city-wide result.
10-Year Lead Level Trend in West Henrietta
90th percentile lead levels (ppb) from EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling.
Source: EPA ECHO Lead and Copper Rule sampling data. Values are in parts per billion (ppb). When the quarterly source does not publish sample counts, multi-system values are unweighted means of the available system 90th-percentile reports.
Lead Risk Overview
The average 90th percentile lead level in West Henrietta, New York is 0.0040 mg/L. The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L (15 parts per billion). This is within the EPA action level, though the EPA states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Housing Age and Lead Risk
Lead plumbing solder was banned in 1986. Homes built before this date may have lead in:
- Solder joints connecting copper pipes
- Lead service lines connecting the water main to the home
- Brass fixtures and faucets containing up to 8% lead (pre-2014)
In West Henrietta:
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Pre-1986 housing | 33% |
| Median build year | 1992 |
| Median household income | $122,833 |
| Population | 13,056 |
A moderate proportion of West Henrietta's housing was built before the 1986 lead solder ban. Residents in older neighborhoods should consider water testing, especially if they notice discolored water or live in homes with original plumbing.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure is a serious public health concern with no safe level identified by the CDC:
Children (under 6):
- Developmental delays and learning difficulties
- Reduced IQ and attention span
- Behavioral problems
- Slowed growth
Adults:
- Kidney damage
- High blood pressure
- Reproductive issues
- Nerve disorders
Pregnant women are especially at risk - lead crosses the placenta and affects fetal development.
Three-Source Lead Data Confirmation
Lead risk is best understood by combining multiple data sources:
| Source | Data Point | Value |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Lead & Copper Rule | 90th percentile lead level | 0.0040 mg/L (within limit) |
| Consumer Confidence Report | Reported lead (90th %ile) | CCR data not available |
| CDC Blood Lead Surveillance | Children with BLL >= 5 ug/dL (New York, 2022) | 1.5% of tested children |
Cross-referencing multiple sources provides a more complete picture of lead risk than any single dataset.
Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR)
The EPA's revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR) requires all water systems to create a service line inventory by October 2024 and replace lead service lines within 10 years. West Henrietta's water system is subject to these requirements.
Federal funding for New York:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| FY2025 LSLR allotment | $191.7M |
| Additional subsidy | 49% available as grants/forgiveness |
| National total | $3.0B |
This funding is available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for lead service line inventory and replacement projects in New York.
To check if your home has a lead service line:
- Check your water utility's service line inventory (required to be publicly available)
- Inspect where the pipe enters your home - lead pipes are dull gray and can be scratched with a key
- Contact your water utility for a free service line inspection
Lead Risk by Housing Decade
The age of a home is one of the strongest predictors of lead risk in drinking water:
| Construction Era | Lead Risk Level | Key Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1940 | Very High | Lead pipes, lead solder, lead paint |
| 1940–1959 | High | Lead solder common, some lead pipes |
| 1960–1978 | Moderate-High | Lead solder, lead paint (banned 1978) |
| 1979–1986 | Moderate | Lead solder still legal until 1986 |
| 1987–2013 | Low-Moderate | "Lead-free" = up to 8% lead in brass |
| 2014+ | Low | Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (0.25% max) |
With a median build year of 1992, the typical home in West Henrietta falls in the low-moderate risk category for lead in plumbing. 33% of homes were built before the 1986 lead solder ban.
How to Test for Lead in West Henrietta
DIY Test Kits ($20–$50)
- Available at hardware stores and online
- Collect a "first-draw" sample (water sitting in pipes 6+ hours)
- Send to an EPA-certified lab for analysis
- Results typically in 1–2 weeks
Professional Lab Testing ($150–$400)
- Comprehensive panel: lead, copper, bacteria, nitrates, and more
- Certified technician collects samples
- Best for homes built before 1986 or after a plumbing change
Free Testing Options
- Many water utilities offer free lead testing - call your provider
- Some states offer free testing for homes with children under 6
- Check your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for system-wide results
What to Expect
- Below 0.005 mg/L (5 ppb): Low concern
- 0.005–0.015 mg/L (5–15 ppb): Consider filtration, especially with children
- Above 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb): Exceeds EPA action level - take immediate action
- Above 0.040 mg/L (40 ppb): Use bottled water while addressing the source
Lead and Copper Rule Sampling History
Historical 90th percentile lead levels (ppb) from water systems serving West Henrietta:
| Year | Lead (ppb) | Samples |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 5 | Not published by source |
| 1992 | 5 | Not published by source |
| 2000 | 8 | Not published by source |
| 2003 | 7.6 | Not published by source |
| 2006 | 4.8 | Not published by source |
| 2009 | 4.3 | Not published by source |
| 2012 | 4.9 | Not published by source |
| 2015 | 12 | Not published by source |
| 2018 | 7.2 | Not published by source |
| 2021 | 3.2 | Not published by source |
| 2023 | 7.2 | Not published by source |
| 2024 | 5.6 | Not published by source |
| 2024 | 14.2 | Not published by source |
| 2025 | 4.7 | Not published by source |
| 2025 | 4 | Not published by source |
When the quarterly source does not publish sample counts, multi-system lead values are unweighted means of the available system 90th-percentile reports. They are not weighted by sample count.
Lead levels have decreased from 5 ppb (1992) to 4 ppb (2025), suggesting improving conditions.
The EPA action level is 15 ppb. Any year exceeding this threshold triggers mandatory corrective action under the Lead and Copper Rule.
How to Reduce Lead Exposure
- Flush your pipes - run cold water for 2+ minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- Use cold water for cooking and baby formula (hot water dissolves more lead)
- Install a certified filter - look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification for lead removal
- Get your water tested - EPA-certified kits cost $20–$50
- Replace lead service lines - check with your utility about replacement programs
Most Affected Areas
The ZIP code with the highest lead levels in West Henrietta is 14586. Check your specific ZIP code for detailed lead testing results.
Data Sources
- Lead levels: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Housing data: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Health information: CDC and EPA public health guidelines
- Blood lead surveillance: CDC Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance (CBLS)
- LSLR funding: EPA DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement allotments
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.
Lead Risk by ZIP Code in West Henrietta
West Henrietta is covered by a single ZIP code, so one lead-risk profile applies citywide. Risk within it still depends on housing age, water system, and testing results.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14586 | B | 81/100 | 1 | View report → |
Frequently Asked Questions
Low Lead Levels - Stay Protected
Lead levels in West Henrietta are well below the EPA action level. To maintain this:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking (especially in the morning)
- Replace faucet aerators every 6-12 months
- If renovating, use lead-free certified fixtures (NSF/ANSI 61)
- Test after any plumbing work