Lead Service Lines in New Brunswick, NJ
What you need to know
The New Brunswick Water Department serves approximately 55,000 people and has identified 90 lead service lines in its water system. A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home to the public water main—it's one of the most common sources of lead in drinking water.
If your home was built before 1986 (when the federal ban on lead pipes took effect), there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Even if your line isn't lead, older galvanized steel pipes can leach lead into your water over time.
What this means for your home
The presence of known lead service lines in your utility's system doesn't automatically mean your water is unsafe—it depends on several factors:
- Your specific service line material. The utility has confirmed 90 lead lines in the system. If yours is one of them, your water should be tested and your line may need replacement.
- Water chemistry and age of pipes. The utility treats water to reduce corrosion, which helps prevent lead from dissolving into your drinking water. But older pipes are riskier.
- What you use water for. Lead is most dangerous in drinking water and cooking water. Cold water is safer than hot water from your tap.
Getting answers about your home
Contact the New Brunswick Water Department to find out:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- When your line was last tested
- What water quality testing results show for your specific location
- Options for free or subsidized lead line replacement
Testing your water
You don't have to wait for the utility's answer. Many labs offer low-cost lead tests ($20–50). You can also request a free test kit from your utility if available.
If lead is detected above the EPA action level (15 parts per billion), use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, run your tap for 30 seconds before filling bottles, and ask your utility about next steps.
Next steps for residents
- Call or visit the New Brunswick Water Department to ask if your property has a lead service line and request a copy of the inventory.
- Test your water if you're concerned, especially if your home was built before 1986 or you have young children or pregnant household members.
- Ask about replacement programs. Many states and utilities now offer grants or loans to remove lead lines at no cost to homeowners.
- For health questions, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's environmental health hotline if anyone in your home has elevated lead exposure.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 90 |
|---|---|
| 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 the New Brunswick Water Department with your address—they've inventoried 90 known lead lines in the system and can tell you if yours is one. You can also hire a plumber to inspect your line, or look at the pipe where it enters your home (lead is soft, gray, and dull).
Is lead service line water safe to drink?
It depends on your specific line, water chemistry, and testing results. Lead dissolves more easily in acidic or old water systems. The only way to know is testing. Even if your line is lead, proper water treatment reduces risk significantly.
What's the difference between a lead service line and lead in the water?
A lead service line is the physical pipe bringing water to your home. Lead *in* the water is what happens when corrosive water dissolves lead from that pipe (or other sources). Testing your water tells you if lead is actually present.
Can I get my lead service line replaced for free?
Many states and utilities now offer replacement programs. Contact the New Brunswick Water Department to ask about cost-sharing, grants, or low-interest loans available in your area.