Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced that the city of Rochester will receive $538,096 in order to replace lead service lines for residential drinking water. The funding is part of a $2.5 billion investment to ensure safe and clean drinking water throughout New York State included in the 2017-18 state budget, which Bronson helped pass.

“I’ve made it a priority to ensure clean drinking water for Rochester families,” said Bronson. “Old water lines have high lead content and pose serious health risks for our kids. This funding is critical to limiting exposure to dangerous chemicals and looking out for our communities.”

Young children and babies, who are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, can be exposed to lead and other chemicals from corroding pipes. Elevated lead exposure in children is linked to learning disabilities, impaired growth and hearing, damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems and other medical conditions.1 Lead exposure can also affect fetal growth.

The grant funding will be used to replace residential lines from the municipal water main to homes. It is part of Bronson’s continued efforts to rebuild crumbling water infrastructure and protect New Yorkers’ health. Last year, he helped pass a law requiring school districts to test for lead in their drinking water and remediate any problems found (Ch. 296 of 2016).

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