Lead Service Lines in Delran, NJ
What you need to know
Delran's water system serves about 357,900 people across 10 separate water utilities. As of the latest available inventory data, approximately 3,167 lead service lines have been identified in the area. These are the pipes that connect homes directly to the public water main—and if yours is one of them, there are practical steps you can take right now.
Lead service lines are a real concern, but they're manageable. The presence of a lead line doesn't mean your water is unsafe; it means you should know about it and take precautions. New Jersey has been mapping these lines for years, and utilities are required to share this information with customers.
Where the lead lines are
The vast majority of known lead service lines in Delran are served by NJ American Water - Western, which supplies 274,291 people and has identified 2,751 lead lines. The other utilities in the area account for far fewer:
- NJ American Water - Mount Holly: 318 lead lines (serves 47,427 people)
- NJ American Water - Penns Grove: 60 lead lines (serves 14,406 people)
- NJ American Water - Harrison: 15 lead lines (serves 9,193 people)
- NJ American Water - Logan: 13 lead lines (serves 6,650 people)
What happens next
New Jersey law requires water utilities to replace lead service lines over time, though the timeline varies. Utilities must also notify customers if their property is known or suspected to have a lead line. If you haven't heard from your utility, that doesn't necessarily mean you're clear—many lines remain unconfirmed.
For health concerns, especially if you have young children or pregnant household members, contact your pediatrician or the CDC. They can advise whether testing makes sense for your situation.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility to ask whether your address has a known or suspected lead service line. Use the utility list above to find the right company.
- Install a water filter certified to reduce lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) if you're concerned about short-term exposure while awaiting replacement.
- Flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking with tap water, especially if water hasn't been used for several hours.
- Ask about replacement programs—utilities and the state may offer cost-sharing or free replacement.