Windsor Terrace Tap Water Tests Highest For Lead: Researchers

WINDSOR TERRACE, BROOKLYN -- Windsor Terrace is one of 11 New York City neighborhoods with the highest levels of lead in its tap water, according to a new report.

Almost 8 percent of lead tests conducted in Windsor Terrace between 2006 and 2016 found water samples that exceeded federal limits, according to the New York City Independent Budget Office report released Tuesday.

Researchers noted that a specific type of home, and the neighborhoods where they are prevalent, are at greater risk for high lead levels.

"Older, smaller buildings are at greater risk for higher lead levels in their tap water," analysts wrote. "A substantial number of homes and families may be exposed to lead from their faucets."

The neighborhood is one of several Brooklyn regions to rank highest in the city for lead; Crown Heights, Sunset Park and Bed-Stuy also topped the list while Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene and Williamsburg rates were among the lowest.

City law only requires homeowners to replace lead piping that is damaged, and the DEP cannot force owners to replace undamaged lead pipes until more than 10 of all New York City samples are above the federal EPA limit.

Lead piping has been prohibited since 1961, but service lines built before the mandate are still used throughout New York City, according to the report. And under state law, only homeowners, not tenants, have a legal right to be notified of a lead contamination risk or findings, analysts noted.

"New York City is compliant with federal lead regulations and at-the-tap lead levels are falling, but
there are still gaps in water quality regulation that could affect thousands of New Yorkers," the report concludes.

"Addressing these gaps could have public health benefits and would allow all residents equal access to lead free drinking water."

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