Lead Service Lines in East Orange, New Jersey
What you need to know
East Orange Water Commission serves about 75,000 people in New Jersey. The utility has identified 7,969 lead service lines in its water system—pipes that connect homes to the main water line under the street.
Lead service lines are the single largest source of lead in drinking water for most homes. Even if your home's indoor plumbing is new, a lead service line can still deliver contaminated water to your tap. The risk is highest for infants, young children, and pregnant people.
What the inventory tells us
East Orange has completed an inventory of its water system and documented 7,969 lead service lines. This is an important first step: you cannot replace pipes you don't know about. The utility has mapped which homes are likely served by lead lines based on the age and construction history of the system.
This does not mean your water is unsafe to drink right now. Exposure depends on many factors—how often you use the water, the pH and corrosion control treatment applied by the utility, and the condition of your specific line. But lead lines do pose a risk, especially to young children, and replacement is the only permanent solution.
Next steps for residents
- Check if your home is on the list. Contact East Orange Water Commission directly to ask whether your address has a lead service line. Ask them to share details from their inventory.
- Test your water. You can get a low-cost lead test kit or hire a certified lab. The EPA and CDC recommend testing if you're pregnant or have children under 6.
- Ask about replacement programs. Find out if the utility or your local government offers help paying for lead line replacement. Many utilities now offer grants or zero-interest loans.
- Use interim measures while you wait. Flush your pipes before drinking, use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves lead faster), and consider a pitcher filter certified for lead removal by NSF International.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 7,969 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact East Orange Water Commission and ask them to check their inventory for your address. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft, dull gray, and leaves a black mark if you scratch it with a coin.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Yes. Lead exposure can harm brain development and learning in young children. Talk to your pediatrician about testing your child's blood lead level, especially if you live in an older home or have a known lead service line.
Can I filter out lead at home?
Some filters reduce lead, but only those certified by NSF International for lead removal work reliably. Filters are a temporary solution—replacing the lead line is the only permanent fix.
Does East Orange have a plan to replace lead lines?
Contact the utility directly to ask about their replacement timeline and any programs available to help residents pay for replacement.