Belleville Pushes Forward With Lead Pipe Replacement: See Latest Work Schedule

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville continues to replace lead water pipes throughout town, with work scheduled on several streets in November.

Five years ago, New Jersey passed a landmark state law that aims to protect its drinking water supply from lead contamination. Hundreds of community water systems in New Jersey were given 10 years to replace all of their lead service lines, including Belleville.

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

Belleville has already begun the process, and has entered Phase II of its plan. The next work is scheduled to take place starting on Monday, Nov. 16 on the following streets (residents may experience discolored water or low pressure):

• Yale Terrace
• Princeton Terrace
• Baldwin Place
• Hunkele Street
• Garden Avenue
• Maier Street
• Mt. Pleasant Avenue

Belleville has lagged behind progress benchmarks in the past.

In 2021, an advisory from the township stated that the Belleville Water Department had not yet replaced the minimum required – 7 percent – of lead service lines within one year of a lead action level exceedance, thereby violating a drinking water requirement.

“Even though this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct the situation,” the advisory said.

• Related: Belleville Didn't Meet Lead Pipe Replacement Quota
• Related: Belleville Will Start Lead Pipe Replacement Soon, Official Says

Belleville has seen federal funding boosts to help get the project across the finish line.

Two years ago, then-U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill announced that the town would receive nearly $1 million to put towards the first phase of its town-wide replacement project. MORE: Belleville Lead Water Pipe Project Gets $1M Shot In Arm From Feds

Last year, Essex County announced that Belleville will get $300,000 to replace the water main and lead service lines on Charles and Center streets via Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. MORE: Belleville Nets $300K Grant, But Questions Linger On Federal Freeze

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