Almost Half Of NJ School Districts Have Lead Pipes, Data Shows

About 44 percent of New Jersey school districts have outdated pipes that contain lead, potentially exposing children to lead, according to state data.

There are about 115,000 lead service lines left in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. That number goes down each years as aging pipes get replaced. In New Jersey, all lead service lines must be replaced by 2031.

According to the World Health Organization, there is no safe level of lead exposure. Even small amounts of lead exposure can result in serious health problems.

Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that $103 million would go towards reducing lead in New Jersey's drinking water.

Lead service lines are responsible for up to 75 percent of typical lead exposure in drinking water, according to EPA.

"By supporting modern drinking water infrastructure EPA is protecting public health across New Jersey,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “This funding will help local water systems address aging infrastructure, reduce potential lead exposure, and deliver safer drinking water for families now and into the future.”

The problem with replacing lead pipes at New Jersey schools is that they cannot be fully replaced without major construction, according to New Jersey 101.5.

Lead-Free NJ and Jersey Water Works are advocating for a “Filter First” approach, where filters are installed in drinking water outlets. It serves as a preventative measure as districts move forward with larger infrastructure improvements.

“Lead in drinking water is a direct threat to children’s health, and identifying it is only the first step,” said Yvette Jordan, Lead-Free NJ Advocacy Committee Co-Chair and retired educator. “Water filters are affordable, effective, and proactive – they stop lead before it has any chance of entering our children’s cups.”