BUFFALO, N.Y. — It’s no secret lead pipes are widespread. Some consider the issue of lead contamination in our drinking water as a modern-day water crisis. The EPA estimates there are nearly half a million lead service lines across New York State, putting the state at number six for the most.

There are roughly 14,000 in Syracuse and Albany, as well as 23,000 in Rochester. Then, there’s an estimated 40,000 in the city of Buffalo.

Work is underway to replace them, but it going to take decades.

We know any exposure to lead is bad, especially for kids. It can lead to brain and nervous system damage, which can slow growth and development, not to mention learning and behavior problems, as well as issues with hearing and speech.

Research is underway right now between the city of Buffalo and the University at Buffalo to find a long-term solution to keep lead at bay while work to remove the pipes continues.

It’s an unassuming building on the site of Buffalo’s Colonel Ward Pumping Station, overshadowed by the historic steam-powered pumps. Then there’s this. The Pipe Loop Lab.

“Right now, we're in our old meter shop that’s been repurposed,” said Peter Merlo, principal engineer for the City of Buffalo Division of Water.

It’s a testing apparatus that mimics water coming into a home. It’s used to see what happens if the chemical composition in the water quality process were to change.

“That can maybe increase the potential corrosion for lead or actually some dissolution of scales that build up in LED surfaces over time,” Merlo explained.

Merlo shows an old lead pipe from a Buffalo home. Beige coloring on it is what’s known as the protective scale. It’s built up over time as water flows through the pipe.

“That protects the water column from the actually the lead material,” he further explained.

The Pipe Loop Lab has harvested lead, newer lead pipes as well as copper. Right now, they’re testing orthophosphate.

“We're looking to see if we can add and there's some theory out there that a little more or if the phosphate will improve and get you better lead numbers,” Merlo said.

Enter UB Professor and Chair of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Alan Rabideau and a handful of students.

“Water treatment uses an awful lot of chemicals, and these are chemicals that may have no effect on the quality of the drinking water but do change the way that the water interacts with the pipes,” Rabideau said.

Rabideau says after what happened in Flint, Michigan, and already in a partnership with the city on a sewer system project, they got together to be proactive.

“This is intended mainly to identify any unintended consequences,” Rabideau said.

So far, the corrosion protection study hasn’t shown any difference.

“Maybe a year plus before we actually feel comfortable making any preliminary conclusions,” Rabideau said.

Until then, they’re hoping the Pipe Loop Lab gains momentum, becoming practice beyond Buffalo.

“Always looking to improve any changes you want to make,” Merlo said.

If you’re concerned or wondering about the water quality or any lead issues for your home, the EPA requires all community water systems to do a Consumer Confidence Report on their water. The National Resource Defense Council has a guide to see if you have a lead service line.