EPA orders Syracuse to address lead in its drinking water

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Environmental Protection Agency said it has “laid out the steps” the City of Syracuse needs to take to address lead in its drinking water.

The order was issued under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA said it’s a result of an April inspection in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health and considers requests from officials and groups that sought that the EPA take action.

The EPA said the order addresses lead levels in drinking water and strengthens protections for children and families.

“The order addresses lead levels in drinking water and strengthens protections for children and families by requiring the city to improve corrosion control to prevent lead from pipes leaching into water, continue proper lead tap sampling at appropriate locations, and establish a robust plan for educating the public on the health risks of lead and how to reduce their exposure,” the EPA described.

Statement from Syracuse Chief Policy Officer Greg Loh:

The City of Syracuse Department of Water hosted inspectors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over a period of four days in April with additional follow up with the EPA after the onsite visit. The Department is currently reviewing the report and Administrative Order. The city will work with the EPA, New York State Department of Health and the Onondaga County Health Department to respond fully to the findings and the Order.

In July, the City of Syracuse Department of Water released the first half of 2025 water sampling results.

The city said that those results show that its drinking water met EPA standards.