Lead Service Lines in NJ AMERICAN WATER - COASTAL NORTH
NJ AMERICAN WATER - COASTAL NORTH serves 377,613 people across its service area in New Jersey. The utility has identified 3,534 lead service lines—pipes that connect homes and buildings to the public water main.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the underground pipe running from the water main in the street to your home's water meter or entry point. These lines were common in homes built before the 1980s. Water flowing through lead pipes can pick up lead, a toxic metal that poses real health risks, especially for young children and pregnant people.
Lead service lines are one of the largest remaining sources of lead in drinking water in the US.
What NJ AMERICAN WATER - COASTAL NORTH has found
The utility's inventory shows 3,534 known lead service lines in its service territory. This is the number the utility has confirmed through records, meter inspections, or site visits. The actual total may be higher—some utilities have not fully inventoried their systems, and older records can be incomplete.
What you should do if you live here
If your home was built before 1980 and you're in NJ AMERICAN WATER - COASTAL NORTH's service area, there's a reasonable chance your service line contains lead. Even if the utility has not explicitly told you, it's worth checking.
Steps to find out:
- Contact your water utility directly and ask if your address is on the lead service line list
- Request a free or low-cost water test from your utility or local health department
- Have a licensed plumber inspect your meter pit (the visible part of your service line can reveal the material)
Reducing exposure now
If you have a lead service line:
- Run cold water from the tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (this flushes water that sat in the pipe overnight)
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking; hot water leaches more lead
- Install a point-of-use water filter certified to remove lead (NSF Standard 53)
Replacement is the only permanent fix. Some utilities and states offer cost-sharing programs to help offset the expense, which typically ranges from $3,000 to $15,000.
Next steps for residents
- Contact NJ AMERICAN WATER - COASTAL NORTH to request your service line status
- If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss water safety with your doctor or pediatrician
- Ask your utility about lead line replacement programs or financial assistance
- Get your water tested if you're uncertain about your service line material
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 3,534 |
|---|---|
| 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 your water utility and ask if your address is on their lead service line inventory. You can also have a licensed plumber inspect your meter pit or request a water test. If your home was built before 1980, there's a higher likelihood.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead is a toxic metal that can harm brain development in young children and cause other health problems. For health concerns, speak with your doctor or pediatrician. The CDC has detailed guidance on lead and drinking water.
Can I fix a lead service line myself?
No. Lead service line replacement must be done by a licensed plumber or contractor. It requires digging and precise work to avoid contaminating the water. Many utilities and state programs offer grants or financing to help with costs.
What can I do right now to reduce lead exposure?
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water for eating and drinking (not hot), and consider installing a certified lead-removal water filter. These are temporary measures; replacement is the permanent solution.