Lead service lines in Short Hills, NJ

Short Hills has 4 public water systems serving 218,013 people. Of those, 7,212 lead service lines have been identified—mostly concentrated in the largest utility.

A lead service line is a pipe that connects your home to the water main under the street. If your line is made of lead, drinking water can pick up lead particles as it flows through. The risk is highest in homes built before 1986, when lead pipes were common.

What the data shows

NJ American Water—Short Hills, which serves 217,230 residents, has identified 7,210 lead service lines. That's about 3.3% of its customer base. The utility is required by federal law to replace these lines or provide treatment, and to share this information with customers.

Three smaller systems in the area (Four Seasons at Chester, Paramount Plaza, and NJ American Water—Twin Lakes) serve fewer than 600 people combined. Twin Lakes has identified 2 lead service lines.

Do you have a lead service line?

You may not know if your line is lead just by looking—it's buried underground. Your water utility should have records. The easiest first step is to contact your local utility directly and ask. Many utilities are now sending notices to affected customers or publishing lists online.

If you want to test the water itself, you can buy an inexpensive lead test kit at most hardware stores, or send a sample to a certified lab (your utility can recommend one). Water testing is different from knowing whether your pipe is lead—a pipe can be lead even if water tests low, and vice versa.

If your line is lead

The CDC recommends flushing your tap before drinking from it—let cold water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes first thing in the morning or after being away for hours. Use only cold water for cooking and drinking; hot water leaches lead faster.

For children and pregnant people, the guidance is more cautious. Speak with your pediatrician or OB-GYN if you're concerned.

Permanent solutions include replacing the line (partial or full replacement) or installing a point-of-use filter certified for lead. Your utility may offer replacement programs or rebates.

Next steps for residents

• Contact NJ American Water—Short Hills (or your specific utility) and ask if your address has a known lead service line
• Request a water test if you want to check lead levels in your home
• Ask about replacement programs—many utilities offer cost-sharing or rebates
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking in the meantime, and flush taps in the morning

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```json [ { "q": "How do I know if I have a lead service line in Short Hills?", "a": "Contact your water utility (usually NJ American Water—Short Hills) and give them your address. They maintain records of which lines are lead. You can also ask for a water test, though that's different from knowing your pipe material." }, { "q": "Is lead in Short Hills water dangerous?", "a": "Lead in drinking water poses a real health risk, especially for young children and pregnant people. The best steps are flushing taps before drinking, using cold water for drinking and cooking, and eventually replacing the line. Talk to your pediatrician or doctor about your specific situation." }, { "q": "How many homes in Short Hills have lead pipes?", "a": "About 7,212 lead service lines have been identified in Short Hills' water systems, with the vast majority (7,210) in NJ American Water—Short Hills territory. That represents roughly 3.3% of that utility's customers." }, { "q": "Can I get my lead service line replaced?", "a": "Many water utilities offer replacement programs or rebates. Contact your utility to ask about costs, timelines, and any financial assistance. Replacement is the only permanent solution