Matawan Gets $1 Million To Remove Lead Pipes From Local Water System

MATAWAN, NJ — Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ6) secured $2 million in federal funding, which will be used to remove lead pipes from local water systems in Matawan and Red Bank borough.

The funding includes $1 million for Red Bank to remove and replace aging lead pipes that pose a risk to the community’s drinking water. Red Bank Mayor Billy Portman previously warned that deteriorating lead infrastructure could contaminate water across the system if left unaddressed. A separate $1 million allocation will go to Matawan to identify and remove all remaining lead service lines, eliminating a major source of potential lead exposure and improving confidence in the safety of tap water.

“Without this federal funding, Red Bank and Matawan would be forced to pass these costs onto local taxpayers or delay critical upgrades. That’s why I have fought so hard to not only secure this funding, but to deliver $1 million for both municipalities to replace these outdated lead pipes,” Pallone said. “Clean, safe drinking water is the foundation of a healthy community.”

Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte said the funding to replace lead pipes was previously approved by Congress, but then withheld by President Donald Trump. He thanked Congress Pallone, a Democrat, for persevering to get the federal funding.

"While this project was previously approved by Congress but later withheld by the executive branch, Congressman Pallone has remained steadfast in advocating for Matawan to ensure this critical funding is restored," said Altomonte. "This support will allow the borough to continue thorough system evaluations and make targeted infrastructure improvements where appropriate, without placing a financial burden on our ratepayers."