Lead Service Lines in Clifton, NJ
Clifton serves about 351,800 residents through nine water systems. Of those, the Passaic Valley Water Commission is by far the largest, serving over 310,000 people. Across all systems, utilities have identified 6,275 lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the public water main.
A lead service line is a direct pathway for lead to enter your drinking water. Even "low" lead levels can matter, especially for children and pregnant people. The good news: lead service lines can be replaced, and you have options to reduce exposure while replacement happens.
What you need to know
Lead service lines are common in New Jersey. The state has some of the highest concentrations of lead pipes in the country, partly because many homes were built or upgraded before 1986, when federal law banned their use in new construction.
Your water system knows which lines are lead. Passaic Valley Water Commission has documented 6,162 lead lines in Clifton proper. Smaller systems serving parts of Clifton—Lodi, North Arlington, High Crest, and Postbrook divisions—have found 113 more combined. These utilities are required to maintain this inventory and share it with residents.
You may have a lead service line and not know it. Utilities categorize pipes as "lead," "copper," "PVC," or "unknown." In Clifton's main system, no service lines are listed as unknown, which means the utility has done the detective work. Ask your water provider directly about your line if you want certainty.
Lead in water is a maintenance and replacement issue, not a water quality issue. Passaic Valley treats water to reduce corrosion, which helps limit lead leaching. But treatment alone cannot fully protect you if your line is made of lead.
What to do next
Contact your water utility to confirm whether your property has a lead service line. Ask about your specific address and their replacement timeline.
If you have a lead line, ask about:
- Rebates or assistance programs for replacement
- Whether the utility will replace the public side (their responsibility) and what you'd owe for the private side (your portion)
- Interim measures like flushing or a point-of-use filter (NSF-certified for lead) while you plan replacement
For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead information line.
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```json [ { "q": "Does Clifton NJ have lead in the water?", "a": "Clifton has 6,275 identified lead service lines—the pipes connecting homes to the public water system. The water itself is treated, but lead pipes can allow lead to leach into drinking water over time. Whether your home is affected depends on whether your service line is lead." }, { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line in Clifton?", "a": "Contact your water utility (Passaic Valley Water Commission for most of Clifton) and ask about your address. They maintain an inventory of lead lines and should be able to tell you within days. You can also look at the water meter connection in your basement—lead pipes are soft, gray, and dent easily when scratched." }, { "q": "Is lead service line replacement free in New Jersey?", "a": "Utilities are responsible for replacing the public side of the lead line (from the main to your property line). You are responsible for the private side on your property. New Jersey and some utilities offer rebates and low-interest loans; ask your water provider about programs available in Clifton." }, { "q": "Can I use a water filter if I have a lead service line?", "a": "A point-of-use filter certified by NSF or WQA for lead reduction can help reduce exposure while you arrange replacement, but filters require regular maintenance and are not a permanent solution.