Yes. The EPA’s lead standard is an action level that requires treatment modifications if lead test results exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb) in more than 10 percent of first draw samples taken from household taps. New Jersey American Water regularly tests for lead at the end of its treatment process. Our testing has shown that lead is not an issue in the water exiting any of our water treatment facilities. We also conduct tests in our distribution system in accordance with the EPA regulatory requirements. In addition, we take steps to reduce the potential of lead leaching from service lines and household pipes into the water by managing the pH levels in the water leaving our treatment facilities and adding a corrosion inhibitor where needed.

Learn more at newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts.

Not necessarily. You might have lead in your drinking water if your service line, household plumbing or fixtures contain lead. Homes built before 1930 are more likely to have lead plumbing systems. Lead pipes are dull grey in color and scratch easily revealing a shiny surface. If your house was built before January 1986, you are more likely to have lead-soldered joints on copper piping. Lead solder is a silver or grey color. If you do, the chance of the lead leaching into your drinking water is greater when water has been standing in the pipes for more than six hours.

You can have your water tested for lead. Since you cannot see, taste or smell lead dissolved in water, testing is the only sure way of knowing.

A water service line is a pipe that connects a customer’s house or building to the water main in the street. Typically, the service line is less than 2-inches in diameter and is made of various material. The most common material in use is copper, however other materials have been used including, but not limited to, galvanized steel, iron, plastic, lead, and others.

The Water Company owns a portion of the service line, typically from the main to the curb stop, found near the street curb or sidewalk. The property owner owns the rest of the service line (from curb stop) all the way into the house or building being served. See diagram.

The Company replaces several thousand of its service lines annually as part of its asset renewal program. Property owners may choose to replace their portion for various reasons. The customer (through the property owner) is responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the portion owned by the property owner if needed as a result of a repair.

During planned service line replacement projects, the Company provides the customer with specific information on the project and general guidance on flushing the new service line. The customer receives information listing flushing procedures depending on the service line material. If a lead service line is identified, the company advises the customer of recommended steps to mitigate their potential exposure to lead in drinking water.

See this infographic for a visual representation.

Over the years, plumbers have used many different materials, including copper, PVC, lead, galvanized steel, and others. Customers can visit our inventory map to look up their address. If the customer service line is unknown, one way to find out what your service line is made of is to contact a licensed plumber. If we find lead or a combination of lead and galvanized piping during our main replacement project, we’ll contact you to discuss replacing your service line. Replacing lead service lines reduces your potential exposure to lead. To learn more, click here.

Each year, New Jersey American Water invests millions of dollars to upgrade our water infrastructure to support the continued delivery of safe and reliable water service to you. When it comes to lead/galvanized service line replacements, we prioritize these replacements in conjunction with main replacement, rehabilitation, and relocation projects using the Company’s prioritization model. This prioritization model is a sophisticated computer model that ‘ranks’ mains based on more than a dozen variables and allows our teams to make informed decisions.

As for lead/galvanized service lines, New Jersey American Water will be in compliance with the required replacement of all lead service lines by 2031.

To learn more on our prioritization plan, click here.

New Jersey American Water is committed to removing all lead service lines by 2031. New Jersey American Water will work with customers to verify the pipe material of the customer’s service line. If the service line is confirmed to be lead or galvanized steel, which is now being treated like lead according to the new state law, New Jersey American Water will work to have those service lines replaced in accordance with the company’s replacement plan. Customers can still use their water as they normally would because the water provided by New Jersey American Water continues to meet state and federal water quality standards, including those set for lead.

Annually, New Jersey American Water plans to have identified work areas for the following year. Several factors drive when and where service lines are replaced. The company prioritizes communities who are most vulnerable and at-risk from lead exposure, particularly infants and children. Areas with large numbers of facilities that serve these populations, such as schools and daycares, are prioritized. Other determining factors include areas with the highest concentration of lead service lines, underserved neighborhoods, and coordination with other known construction activity.

Once work areas are identified, the company will determine the timing for individual properties in that work area. Once a property has been identified for a service line replacement, the company will send additional information about the replacement process and next steps. This notification typically comes a month or two before the anticipated replacement date.

Additionally, the company will also replace any customer-owned lead service line with a copper or plastic water line, at no direct charge to the customer, when discovered during a main replacement project.