Lead Pipe Removal Program In The Works For Chatham Borough

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham's Department of Public Works will compile an inventory of all water lines serving homes as part of an effort to meet new stringent requirements regarding water service lines.

This inventory is the first step in a 10-year project to identify and replace lead or galvanized water lines, which is a requirement for all water utilities in the state under New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations.

The inventory will be used to establish priorities for service line replacement, with the areas with the most lead service lines being addressed first.

Another aspect of determining priority is cost reduction through the consolidation of projects involving the opening of roads and sidewalks, as well as the simultaneous replacement of multiple service lines in one area.

Serious health issues can arise from lead exposure, which can come from sources like drinking water. Lead can pass from a pregnant woman to her developing fetus due to previous high lead exposure or exposure while pregnant. If a mother is exposed to lead during her pregnancy, her chances of miscarriage increase.

Adults who have been exposed to lead may have problems with their hearts, kidneys, blood pressure, the likelihood of developing hypertension and reproduction.

Lead is not normally found in drinking water at its source. It is typically introduced into drinking water through lead-containing service lines, plumbing, and fixtures, which corrode and leach into the water over time.

Lead content in pipes, fixtures, solder, water temperature, pH, and hardness are all factors that influence how much lead leaches into the water.

"We regularly test our water for lead and other contaminants and have had no issues in over ten years. Our drinking water is of exceptional quality - some of the safest in the state," Chatham Borough’s DPW director Tony Torello said.

The borough is sending a letter to all residents asking them to look at their service lines and submit information on the materials used via email or a form in order to compile the inventory.

Residents who need assistance locating their service lines or identifying the material should contact DPW directly, officials said.

"While it is important to ensure that our water remains absolutely safe and to stay on top of our infrastructure, this project and this timeline do amount to a large, unfunded mandate from the state," council member Jocelyn Mathiasen said. "Also, because we run our own water system, we can’t just pass this problem on to a private utility."

The new water utility program will also be formally discussed at the next Chatham Borough Council meeting, which is scheduled for Mar. 13.

Patrick K. Cole, Vice President at H2M Architects + Engineers, is assisting the Borough with the program and will be speaking to the council at the Monday meeting.

"The borough has an excellent track record in terms of water quality, and they are being proactive in beginning this process now," Cole said.