Lead Pipe Replacement Underway At 180K NJ Homes, Businesses

NEW JERSEY — There are hundreds of thousands of lead service lines in New Jersey, according to state officials. By 2031, all of the potentially dangerous pipes will have to be replaced – possibly including yours.

The state Department of Environmental Protection recently announced that 186,830 lead services lines have been identified throughout New Jersey. The pipes, which connect homes and businesses to the local water supply, can leach contamination as water passes through them. A portion may be privately owned, complicating efforts to replace them.

In July 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a package of laws that will require hundreds of community water systems in New Jersey to replace their lead service lines within the next decade.

Water systems in New Jersey are required to notify residents, non-paying consumers (including renters), and any off-site owner of a property when it is known they are served by a lead service line no later than Feb. 21.

Many residents received a letter that looks like this. Learn how to find out what system serves your city or town here. Learn more about the statewide replacement effort here.

• See related article: New Jersey Is Replacing Its Lead Water Pipes – All Of Them
• See related article: Kamala Harris Returns To NJ To Tout Lead Pipe Replacement
• See related article: Other NJ Towns Can Learn From Newark's Lead Pipe Project

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