Lead Pipe Replacement In Maplewood; NJ Water Moves To Meet Mandate

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — It isn’t junk mail, Maplewood officials say – it’s an important advisory for local homeowners.

New Jersey passed a state law in 2021 that requires water providers to replace all of their lead service lines within 10 years. Read More: New Jersey Is Replacing Its Lead Water Pipes – All Of Them

The pipes – which connect local homes and businesses to the local water supply – can potentially leach lead contamination as water passes through them. A portion of the pipes may be privately owned, complicating efforts to replace them.

Since then, towns, cities and utility providers across the state have been moving forward with their plans to meet the new mandate, including New Jersey American Water, which serves Maplewood.

A noteworthy update may be arriving in the mail this week, local officials announced Sunday:

“Help us spread the news, Maplewood: this is not junk mail. It may be arriving this week via snail mail from New Jersey American Water (NJAW) to your mail box if NJAW is unsure of your pipes. The flier outlines two critical next steps that NJAW wants you and your neighbors to take advantage of now, so NJAW can expedite their replacing of lead pipes throughout our town in 2025.”

Maplewood residents can schedule an appointment with Montana Construction at 201-232-7624, or self-identify the material of their service line here.

In September 2024, New Jersey American Water said it has replaced nearly 10,000 customer-owned lead and galvanized steel water service lines in its coverage area of about 2.9 million people.

• See Related: Race To Replace Lead Pipes Is On Pace, NJ's Largest Water Company Says

“New Jersey American Water is actively working in Maplewood as part of our Lead Service Line Replacement Program to identify unknown service lines material and replace confirmed lead and galvanized service lines,” the township website states.

“We are committed to replacing all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031,” the website reads.

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