NJ Lead Line Replacement Program Comes To Clark, Residents Can Self-Report

CLARK, NJ - New Jersey American Water is asking Clark residents to help identify homes with lead or galvanized steel water service lines as part of a statewide initiative to replace potentially dangerous pipes — and residents can help speed the process along by completing a quick online survey before field representatives begin showing up at doors.

The effort is part of a 2021 New Jersey law requiring all water providers to identify the materials of both utility-owned and customer-owned service lines, notify customers whose lines are made of lead or galvanized steel, and replace them by 2031. New Jersey American Water says it is committed to meeting that deadline through its Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

Importantly, residents whose lines are found to contain lead or galvanized steel will not bear the cost of replacement. If the customer-owned portion of a service line is determined to be made of lead or galvanized steel, New Jersey American Water will work with the homeowner to replace it at no direct cost. The utility will perform the work and provide a warranty; the customer retains ownership of the new line once installed.

Officials also want to reassure residents that finding lead pipes does not mean the water is currently unsafe to drink. New Jersey American Water treats water to prevent corrosion of service lines and household plumbing, and ongoing lead and copper compliance testing continues to meet state and federal water quality regulations.

The self-reporting survey — dubbed "Pipe Up" by the utility — takes only a few minutes. Residents are asked to locate the pipe where water enters their home, typically in a basement or utility area near the water meter, identify the material, and upload a photo. Completing the self-report helps the utility build its required inventory more efficiently and reduces the likelihood of follow-up visits from field representatives. Homeowners' service lines may be made of lead, copper, galvanized steel, or plastic.

Residents are strongly encouraged to complete the process within the next several weeks. Click here for details.

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