The City of Syracuse Department of Water has announced that the city’s drinking water continues to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for lead levels, according to the first half 2025 sampling results. This marks the second consecutive reporting period where Syracuse’s water has met these standards.
The water samples were collected by a third-party contractor and analyzed by an independent laboratory before being presented to New York State and Onondaga County health regulators. In accordance with EPA public drinking water requirements, 121 samples were taken from homes with lead service lines in May and June of 2025. The results showed a 90th percentile level of 9 parts per billion (ppb), which is below both the current EPA lead action level of 15 ppb and the upcoming stricter requirement of 10 ppb set for implementation in 2027.
The city engaged 120Water, a specialized independent contractor, to manage the sampling process. Sampling kits were distributed to participating properties based on a database developed in collaboration with state and county regulators. Residents collected tap water samples from kitchen or bathroom sinks, which were then sent directly to the testing laboratory.
“We have consistently improved our water sampling methods during the past year. These new results reaffirm that people can have confidence in Syracuse water. When samples are collected properly, our drinking water meets the standards set by EPA,” stated Robert Brandt, commissioner of water.
Syracuse sources its water from Skaneateles Lake, which is free from lead when it leaves the lake and travels through mains. However, lead may be present in pipes connecting older homes or in fixtures and plumbing within those homes. To address this issue, the Syracuse Water Department adds orthophosphate—a substance approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—to form a protective coating inside lead pipes.
Public water systems nationwide must test tap water from buildings likely containing lead plumbing as part of efforts to control lead exposure effectively. The latest test results indicate that Syracuse’s corrosion control program is functioning well, with sampling required every six months under current EPA guidelines.
