Ocean City Customers Urged To Join Free Service Line Inspection Program

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City customers who have not yet taken part in New Jersey American Water's service line identification effort are being asked to schedule a free inspection beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15.

According to New Jersey American Water, appointments are expected to remain available through at least the end of October, weather permitting, and can be scheduled online at calendly.com/njaw. The utility said its contractor, CDM Smith, will be in Ocean City two days per week to complete scheduled inspections. During each appointment, an authorized representative will enter the property and visually inspect the service line to help determine what material it is made from.

The work is part of New Jersey American Water's statewide Lead Service Line Replacement Program. According to the company, the program supports a 2021 New Jersey law that requires all water providers to identify and replace both utility-owned and customer-owned portions of lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031. New Jersey American Water launched its replacement program in 2022.

The company said CDM Smith previously conducted service line identification work in Ocean City from July through September 2025. This latest round gives customers another chance to identify service line materials before seasonal conditions limit inspection work and before the next phase of the program begins.

Customers who receive an email or postcard from New Jersey American Water are encouraged to make an appointment as soon as possible. According to the company, those notices explain the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, describe inspection and self-reporting options, and note that inspections are free and performed by authorized staff.

Customers may also identify their own water service line material by completing a survey at newjerseyamwater.com/leadsurvey. If a service line is confirmed to be lead or galvanized steel, New Jersey American Water will coordinate replacement under its statewide plan.

The company said all assessments are conducted at no direct cost. To help prevent fraud, residents are being told that CDM Smith staff will carry official company photo ID badges and wear logoed, high-visibility vests, and will not ask for payment, fees or personal financial information.

Residents may continue using their water as usual, according to New Jersey American Water. The company said its water continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards, including those for lead. More information, including a service line inventory map and self-identification tools, is available at newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts. Questions can be sent to leadfreenj@amwater.com or directed to CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.