Lead Service Lines in Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Egg Harbor Township serves about 254,000 people across 17 water systems. The largest utilities—NJ American Water's Ocean City and Atlantic County divisions—together account for most of the township's water supply.
What we know about lead service lines here
Water utilities in Egg Harbor Township have identified 1,041 known lead service lines so far. These are the pipes that connect homes to the public water main, and they can leach lead into drinking water, especially in older homes or when water sits in pipes overnight.
The two biggest utilities have done the most thorough inventories:
- NJ American Water - Ocean City (serving 127,000 people): 413 known lead lines
- NJ American Water - Atlantic County (serving 120,146 people): 617 known lead lines
The smaller systems listed here have fewer records available or serve smaller populations.
What "known" and "unknown" mean
"Known lead" means a utility has confirmed a lead service line through inspection or records. "Unknown" means the utility hasn't yet determined whether a service line is lead, plastic, or copper. Not finding lead lines documented doesn't mean they don't exist—older utilities may simply not have complete records.
What you can do now
Contact your local water utility directly to find out:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- What the utility's timeline is for replacing them (New Jersey requires replacement by 2031 under the federal Lead and Copper Rule)
- Whether you qualify for financial assistance—many utilities offer rebates or grants for replacements
- What steps to take in the meantime if you can't replace your line immediately (flushing, testing, filters)
If your child's health is a concern, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC for guidance on testing and prevention.
Next steps for residents
- Identify your utility: Find your water provider's name on your bill or call your local municipality
- Call and ask: Request information about whether your home has a lead service line
- Ask about assistance: Inquire about replacement programs, grants, or low-interest loans
- Get your water tested: If unsure, ask your utility or health department about low-cost testing