Horseheads to mail about 1,300 EPA template notices after lead-and-copper inventory

Manager Nathan Nagel told trustees on Nov. 7 that the village will mail EPA-template letters to roughly 1,300 residents as part of the lead-and-copper inventory process. The three-letter categories are: (1) service line identified as lead, (2) galvanized service line requiring replacement, and (3) service line lead status unknown. The letters must be mailed before a stated deadline (Nov. 15) and were adapted only where EPA guidance allowed.

Nagel said the village’s records (including a prior meter replacement program and curb-stop inspections) have identified many service lines, but a sizable share remain “unknown.” He estimated the community has between 3,500 and 4,000 water service lines in total and that about 70 are known galvanized lines; the rest require follow-up to determine material. Manager and staff discussed options to reduce the unknowns — gaining interior access to homes or limited excavation at the curb stop — and noted that, because private-side replacement is considered a “gift” to a private party under current law, there is no clear funding source for private replacements absent state or federal aid.

Nagel also summarized that New York State and EPA are still determining timelines and funding strategies for lead service-line replacement; the village will send the letters annually until each property’s status is resolved and will prepare staff to respond to resident inquiries.

What’s next: About 1,300 letters will be mailed by the manager’s office; staff will provide residents guidance when they call and will report back as unknowns are resolved.