Lead Service Lines in Passaic Valley Water Commission – Lodi Service Area
Passaic Valley Water Commission's Lodi service area serves about 24,000 people in New Jersey. Like many older water systems, some homes here may still have lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the street into your house.
What we know about lead pipes in this service area
The utility has identified 51 lead service lines so far. This is the total number inventoried to date. Lead service lines pose a real health risk, especially to young children and pregnant people, because lead can leach into drinking water—particularly from older pipes or when water sits in the pipes overnight.
The good news: lead service lines are fixable. Replacing them eliminates the risk at its source.
What the inventory tells you
An inventory is a record of which service lines are made of lead, which are safe, and which are still unknown. Passaic Valley WC has inventoried 51 service lines so far. This is a starting point. Many utilities are still completing their full inventory, so the number may grow as they survey more properties.
If your home is served by this utility and was built before the 1990s, there's a meaningful chance your service line could be lead or galvanized steel (which can also corrode and release lead).
Steps to protect your family now
- Get your water tested. You don't need to wait for the utility to finish its inventory. A simple test costs $15–$30 and gives you a clear answer about lead in your water right now. Contact your utility for a free or reduced-cost test kit.
- Flush before drinking or cooking. If water sits in pipes overnight, run the cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
- Use cold water for cooking and baby formula. Hot water leaches lead faster than cold water.
- If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician. They can order a simple blood test if you're concerned.
Next steps for residents
- Contact PASSAIC VALLEY WC LODI WD directly to ask if your service line is known to be lead, safe, or still unknown.
- Request a free water test kit from the utility or have your water tested independently.
- If lead is found, ask your utility about replacement programs or financial assistance—some utilities offer help paying for removal.
- Visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for state-specific guidance on lead in drinking water.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 51 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
You can contact your water utility to check their inventory, but the most direct way is to have your water tested. A certified lab can detect lead in your water, which indicates whether your pipes are leaching. Your utility may offer free or low-cost testing.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes. Lead exposure is especially risky for young children and pregnant people because it can affect brain development and learning. For health concerns, contact your pediatrician or the CDC. Even low levels of lead in water matter.
What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?
Contact your water utility to report the result and ask about service line replacement programs or financial assistance. In the meantime, flush the tap before drinking or cooking, use cold water for food preparation, and consult your pediatrician about whether a blood test is appropriate for your family.
Can I remove a lead service line myself?
No. Lead pipe removal must be done by licensed contractors following specific safety rules to avoid contaminating soil. Contact your utility for a list of approved contractors and ask about rebates or grants to cover costs.