Lead Service Lines in Egg Harbor City
NJ American Water serves about 4,300 people in Egg Harbor City. The utility has identified 11 lead service lines in its system so far.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home's water line to the main water main buried under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Lead service lines were common in older homes because lead was an inexpensive, easy-to-work-with material.
Water itself doesn't contain lead naturally in most cases—but when water sits in lead pipes, especially overnight or after long periods without use, small amounts of lead can dissolve into it. This is particularly a concern for infants and young children, whose developing brains are sensitive to lead exposure.
Does my home have a lead service line?
NJ American Water has begun inventorying its service lines. The utility has confirmed 11 lead service lines so far. However, not all service lines have been inspected yet, so the complete picture of lead pipes in the system may not be known.
To find out if your home is on the list or to get more information about your specific address, contact NJ American Water directly. You can also ask them:
- Whether your service line has been inspected
- What material your service line is made of
- When they expect to complete their full inventory
- Whether your home qualifies for free or subsidized replacement
What can I do right now?
Even if you don't know whether you have a lead service line, you can reduce your exposure:
- Let water run cold for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, especially in the morning or after the water hasn't been used for hours
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking—hot water dissolves lead faster
- Flush your tap regularly if you have young children or are pregnant
If you have young children or are pregnant, ask your doctor about lead testing. The CDC has guidance on lead and children's health at cdc.gov/lead.
Next steps for residents
- Contact NJ American Water at their customer service line to ask about your home's service line
- Request a copy of their lead service line inventory if available
- Ask about their timeline for replacing lead service lines
- If you have a lead service line, inquire about assistance programs or replacement costs
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 11 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my water has lead?
You can't see, taste, or smell lead in water. The only way to know is to get your water tested or find out whether your service line is made of lead. Contact NJ American Water to ask about your address.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Egg Harbor City?
Tap water is regularly tested and monitored. However, if you have a lead service line, standing water in that pipe can pick up lead. Running the tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking helps flush out water that's been sitting in the pipes.
What should I do if my home has a lead service line?
Contact NJ American Water to ask about replacement options and any available funding or assistance. In the meantime, flush your tap before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and consider having your water tested.
Will my water utility replace my lead service line for free?
Replacement programs vary. Contact NJ American Water directly to ask about their replacement timeline, costs, and whether your home qualifies for assistance or fully funded replacement.