Lead Service Lines in NJ AMERICAN WATER - MOUNT HOLLY

NJ American Water - Mount Holly serves about 47,400 people across the region. Like many older water systems in New Jersey, some homes here are connected to the water main through lead service lines—pipes that can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or after water sits in pipes overnight.

What we know about lead service lines here

The utility has identified 318 lead service lines in its system. This count is based on available records, but it may not be complete. Older neighborhoods and homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead pipes, though lead lines exist in newer areas too.

The good news: knowing which homes have lead pipes is the first step toward fixing the problem. New Jersey requires water utilities to replace lead service lines, though the timeline varies.

How to find out if your home has a lead service line

Start by contacting NJ American Water - Mount Holly directly. Ask specifically:

• Does my address have a lead service line on the utility's side (between the water main and my property line)?
• Does my home have a lead service line on the private side (on my property)?

The utility should have records, though they may not be 100% complete. You can also dig up a small section of pipe near your meter and look at it: lead is soft, silvery-gray, and leaves a dark mark if you scratch it with a coin.

If your home has (or might have) a lead service line

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of the pipe and solder. Your risk depends on water chemistry, pipe age, and whether water sits in pipes for hours. Even with a lead line, simple steps reduce exposure:

• Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking (flush the line).
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water leaches more lead.
• Consider a certified lead-removal filter if you're pregnant, have young children, or want extra protection.

For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead information line.

Next steps for residents

• Contact the utility: Ask NJ American Water - Mount Holly whether your address has a confirmed lead service line.
• Request your inventory records: New Jersey law requires utilities to provide lead service line inventories upon request.
• Check for replacement programs: Ask if the utility has state or federal funding for line replacement and whether your home qualifies.
• Test your water: A simple lab test ($20–50) can measure lead levels in your tap water.

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```json [ { "q": "Does NJ American Water Mount Holly have lead in the water?", "a": "The utility has identified 318 lead service lines in its system. Lead doesn't come from the treatment plant itself; it leaches from old pipes and solder when water sits in pipes or the water is acidic. Whether your water contains lead depends on whether your home's service line is made of lead and your water chemistry." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact NJ American Water - Mount Holly and ask about your specific address. The utility has records of lines on the public side (street to your property). You can also look at your water meter or dig up a small section of pipe near it; lead is soft and silvery-gray, and scratching it with a coin leaves a dark mark." }, { "q": "Is lead service line water safe to drink?", "a": "It depends on your water chemistry and how long water sits in the pipe. You can reduce lead exposure by flushing the line (run water 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking), using cold water, and installing a certified lead filter. A water test will tell you if lead is actually in your tap water." }, { "q": "Who pays to replace