NJ AMERICAN WATER - SHORT HILLS Lead Service Line Inventory
NJ American Water - Short Hills serves about 217,000 residents across New Jersey. The utility has identified 7,210 lead service lines in its water system—the pipes that carry water from the main line under the street to homes and buildings.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the connection between your home's water meter (usually in your basement or at the curb) and the water main buried under the street. If installed before the 1980s, this line may be made of lead. Lead can leach into your drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or where water sits in pipes for hours.
What NJ American Water - Short Hills has reported
The utility has completed an inventory of 7,210 service lines and confirmed that 7,210 are lead. This count represents the lines the utility has physically verified or identified through records and testing. The utility has not reported how many other lines remain unknown or unconfirmed.
You can ask your water utility directly whether your specific address has been surveyed and what type of service line serves your home.
What you should know
Even if lead service lines are present in your neighborhood, your home may not have one. Service lines vary block by block and sometimes house by house. Lead from service lines typically affects cold water more than hot water, and the risk is greatest for infants, young children, and pregnant people.
The EPA recommends testing your water if you're concerned. Your utility can often provide a free or low-cost test kit. You can also use a certified lab—ask your water utility for a list.
If your line is confirmed to be lead, the most effective solution is replacement. Some states and utilities offer replacement programs with partial or full funding. Contact your utility to ask about options.
Next steps for residents
- Contact NJ American Water - Short Hills directly to ask if your address has a lead service line and request a free water test if you're concerned.
- Test your water through your utility or a certified lab, especially if you have young children or are pregnant.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking while you investigate—lead is not typically present in hot water.
- Learn more from the EPA's lead in drinking water page or contact your local health department.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 7,210 |
|---|---|
| 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?
Contact NJ American Water - Short Hills with your address—they can check their records. You can also look at your water meter or the pipe entering your home; lead is soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin. If you're unsure, ask your utility for a free inspection or test.
Is lead in my water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in young children and affect blood pressure in adults. Health risks depend on exposure level and duration. For guidance specific to your situation, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
What should I do if my water contains lead?
Use cold water for drinking and cooking (lead is mainly in cold water). Ask your utility about free water testing and replacement programs. In the meantime, you can install a pitcher or faucet filter certified to remove lead, though replacement is the permanent solution.
Does NJ American Water - Short Hills have a program to replace lead service lines?
Contact the utility directly at their customer service line to ask about lead line replacement programs, costs, and any available funding or rebates. New Jersey may also have state-level programs—check with your local health department.