Amherst, NY · PWSID NY1400443
Ecwa Direct lead service lines
5,046 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Ecwa Direct reported 248 lead and 4,798 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 111,731 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 22 lines. Another 15,383 (14%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #9 of 490 New York systems with confirmed lead lines, and #100 nationally.
4.5% of Ecwa Direct's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's lower than the New York average (7.6%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0.2%
- Galvanized (replace) 4.3%
- Unknown 14%
- Non-lead 82%
Total service lines reported: 111,731. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 313,380; 115,486 connections.
Lead test results
Ecwa Direct's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (2025) was 6 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 5,046 in 2025 Q1 to 5,046 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 15,383 to 15,383, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations for Ecwa Direct since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Ecwa Direct's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 26 other water systems: Silver Creek Village, Hanover WD #1 5&20 SLVR CRK To Catt CRK, Ecwa Amherst, Angola Village, Ecwa Lancaster, East Aurora Village, Ecwa Evans, Farnham Village, Ecwa Hamburg (V), Orchard Park Village, Ecwa West Seneca, Elma Water District No. 1, Ecwa Orchard Park, Ecwa Boston, Ecwa Newstead, Town of Brant, McWa Genesee, Alabama Water District No.1, Versailles Water District, Hanover WD #2 - Bennett State Road, Evans Water District, Lawtons Water Co, Colden Water District #1, Eden-Wepax Road, Town of Aurora Private Waterlines, Cowlesville Water District.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Ecwa Direct whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Erie County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Ecwa Direct's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
1403114032140431410214218142251422614227
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Water Authority | 34,318 | 35,839 |
| Ecwa Amherst | 59 | 1,514 |
| Ecwa Evans | 34 | 1,071 |
| Ecwa Hamburg (V) | 173 | 1,392 |
| Akron Village | 46 | 406 |
| Angola Village | 18 | 494 |
| Alden Village | 38 | 0 |
| North Collins Village | 32 | 250 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Ecwa Direct have lead pipes?
Yes. Ecwa Direct reported 248 lead service lines and 4,798 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 111,731 total. 15,383 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Ecwa Direct's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Ecwa Direct replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Ecwa Direct had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Ecwa Direct.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Ecwa Direct lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/ny/ecwa-direct/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.