Lead water supply pipe observed after inspection

[Adam Cherko]

I am looking to see if anyone has experience in their rental properties containing lead supply lines from the street before the water meter. I am purchasing a duplex in New Rochelle, NY and while having an inspection completed yesterday we found this situation. The outgoing landlord has no filtration in the either of the two units that I can tell. 

Does anyone have experience with this. Am I required to tell tenants they can not drink the water. Am I required to have the water tested? Am I required to have reverse osmosis filters under each sink with a separate drinking water faucet? 

Any guidance is greatly appreciated!

[Mike McCarthy]

The biggest problem with lead suply pipes is based on its age, it’s past it’s service life and will likely need to be replaced soon. Unfortunately, there’s a LOT of underground, city/town owned plumbing pipes that are still lead pipes. Most/all cities use chloramine to both disinfect the water and also prevent the water from picking up lead on the way into the drinking water. I’ve never heard of a need to inform tenants of this... but if it were my house, I’d consider getting it replaced to limit any risk.