Lead Service Lines in Toms River, New Jersey
What you need to know
Veolia Water New Jersey serves about 123,000 people in the Toms River area. The utility has identified 134 homes with lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the water main under the street.
Lead service lines are a real concern because lead can leach into drinking water, especially if water is corrosive or if pipes are old and deteriorating. The good news: you can take steps right now to reduce exposure, and the utility is required by law to replace lead lines over time.
What a lead service line means for your home
A lead service line is a direct path for lead to enter your tap water. Not all water from a lead line will contain dangerous levels of lead, but the risk exists—especially in homes with:
- Infants or young children
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Older pipes or recent plumbing work (which can disturb lead particles)
If your home is on the list of 134 known lead service lines, your water utility should notify you. You can also contact Veolia Water New Jersey directly to ask if your address has a lead line.
Steps you can take right now
Even while waiting for replacement, you can reduce lead exposure:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the tap hasn't been used in 6+ hours
- Use cold water only for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster)
- Get your water tested through a certified lab if you're concerned (your utility can recommend one)
- For infants, use bottled water or ask your pediatrician about lead-safe water
Replacement and funding
The utility has not yet reported funding received or a replacement schedule through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. New Jersey water systems must prioritize lead service line replacement; contact Veolia Water New Jersey for details on when your line might be replaced.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Veolia Water New Jersey to confirm whether your property has a lead service line
- Test your water if you have young children or want additional assurance
- Learn your utility's replacement timeline by calling or visiting their website
- Report any water quality concerns (discoloration, odor) to the utility immediately
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 134 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Toms River water have lead in it?
The Toms River water system has identified 134 homes with lead service lines. Not all water from these lines contains high lead levels, but the risk exists. The utility should notify affected homes. You can reduce exposure by running cold water before use and using bottled water for infants.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact Veolia Water New Jersey directly with your address. They maintain an inventory of known lead lines. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe between your home and the street, though this costs money.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Toms River?
Tap water is generally safe, but homes with lead service lines have an increased risk of lead contamination. Use cold water for drinking and cooking, run water before use, and consider testing your water if you have young children.
When will lead service lines be replaced?
New Jersey requires utilities to replace lead lines, but timelines vary. Contact Veolia Water New Jersey to ask about their replacement schedule and whether your property is included in upcoming work.