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Hey there, fellow New Jerseyans! Providing clean and safe water is crucial for all of us. So, let’s spill the tea (or water) on what New Jersey American Water is doing about lead service lines. Grab a drink, and let’s dive in!
1. New Jersey Is Making Moves!
In July 2021, NJ got serious about water safety related to lead, by passing a law that requires all water providers to share with customers the material of the utility-owned and customer-owned service lines that lead to their property, notify customers with service lines that are lead or galvanized steel, and replace them by 2031.
Not one to lag behind, New Jersey American Water developed its Lead Service Line Replacement Program and launched an interactive map in January 2022 so you can see what your property's service line is made of. Check it out at newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts!
2. Spreading the Word
Awareness is key! Historically, water utilities have not had to keep track of the materials of customer-owned service lines. But New Jersey American Water is changing the narrative. They have launched an education campaign across the company’s service areas to encourage customers to self-identify and report the material of the service line that brings water into their homes.
They're also hosting webinars, launching toolkits, and sharing additional resources with stakeholders to keep everyone informed. If you're a homeowner and customer, keep an eye on your mailbox. They’ll be sending out notifications annually until all lead or galvanized steel service lines are identified and replaced.
3. Lending a Hand: We All Need to Play A Role
It's clear that New Jersey American Water is making monumental strides in helping to ensure safe drinking water for everyone. But just like in a relay race, the baton at times needs to be passed for the journey to be successful. You can support this initiative by locating and identifying your water service line and then submitting a short survey. If the service line is confirmed to be lead or galvanized, New Jersey American Water will work with you to have those service lines replaced. Please follow these three easy steps:
- Watch this video
- Follow step-by-step instructions to locate your service line and identify the material.
- Snap a picture and self-report your findings to New Jersey American Water.
4. Got Lead? Don’t Panic!
A little clarity moment: having lead in your service line doesn’t mean you should view your faucet suspiciously. New Jersey American Water tests its water regularly, which helps ensure that it meets state and federal water quality standards. You can learn more about that here. So, go on, fill that kettle, and brew your tea without a worry!
5. How Do They Decide Who's Next?
With a plan to invest millions annually in water infrastructure, New Jersey American Water is committed to replacing lead and galvanized steel service lines in the most efficient way possible. Using a super sophisticated computer model and key community statistics, they decide which mains to prioritize for replacement. They’re especially attentive to communities most at risk from lead exposure (think infants and kiddos) and areas housing institutions like schools and daycares.
6. Replacements: No Additional Cost!
This might sound too good to be true, but New Jersey American Water is stepping up BIG time. If they discover a customer-owned lead service line during a main replacement project, they'll swap it out for a shiny new copper or plastic water line. And here’s the kicker – it won’t cost you any additional payments!
To Wrap it Up:
New Jersey American Water wants their customers to be safe, and their plan to remove all lead service lines by 2031 shows it. Stay hydrated, stay informed, and here’s to cleaner, safer water for all in New Jersey!
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