PASSAIC VALLEY WATER COMMISSION Lead Service Line Inventory
Passaic Valley Water Commission serves about 310,000 people across New Jersey. The utility has identified 6,162 lead service lines in its distribution system so far.
What this means for your home
A lead service line is the pipe that connects the water main in the street to your home. If your line is made of lead, drinking water can pick up lead as it travels through the pipe—especially if water sits unused for several hours or if your home's plumbing has acidic water.
Not all homes have lead service lines. Some were built with copper or other materials from the start. But if your service line is lead, there are proven steps to reduce exposure (see below).
What Passaic Valley has inventoried
So far, the utility has confirmed 6,162 lead service lines among the properties it serves. This number represents the lines the utility has documented through inspection records, water main replacement projects, and customer reports.
The utility may still be identifying additional lead lines in its territory. Lead pipes don't always show up in old utility maps, so the final count can change as the system is inspected further.
Why lead service lines matter
Lead is a metal that doesn't break down over time. When it leaches into your water, there's no way to filter it out once it's in the pipe. Young children and pregnant people face particular health risks from lead exposure. For health concerns, consult the CDC's information on lead and water, or talk to your pediatrician.
What you can do right now
Contact Passaic Valley Water Commission directly to find out if your address has a lead service line on record. The utility can tell you whether your line is known to be lead, and what options exist for testing or replacement in your area.
If you rent, talk to your landlord or property manager—they often have access to building records about service lines.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the utility: Call or visit Passaic Valley Water Commission's website to ask about your specific address and lead service line status.
- Test your water: The utility or your local health department can advise on free or low-cost testing.
- Use a filter: If a lead service line is confirmed, NSF-certified filters can reduce lead in drinking water while replacement is being planned.
- Know your options: Ask the utility about lead line replacement programs, costs, and timelines.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 6,162 |
|---|---|
| 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 Passaic Valley Water Commission with your address—they can check their records. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home, though some lead pipes are buried underground. A simple test kit won't tell you if the service line is lead, but water testing can show if lead is present in your drinking water.
Is lead in tap water dangerous?
Lead can be harmful, especially to young children and pregnant people. The CDC recommends families with infants or young children take lead exposure seriously. For specific health questions, talk to your doctor or pediatrician.
Can I remove lead from my tap water myself?
NSF-certified filters designed for lead removal can reduce the amount of lead in your drinking water. However, filters don't address the source (the pipe itself). Replacing the lead service line is the permanent solution.
Who pays to replace a lead service line?
This varies by utility and location. Some utilities cover the full cost, some split it with homeowners, and some leave it entirely to the property owner. Contact Passaic Valley Water Commission to ask about their replacement program and what costs apply to you.