Lead Service Lines in Penns Grove, NJ
NJ American Water - Penns Grove serves about 14,406 people in this part of Salem County. The utility has identified 60 lead service lines in its system so far.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home's water meter (usually at the street) to your house. If it's made of lead, drinking water can pick up lead as it travels through that pipe. Lead service lines were common in homes built before the 1980s, though they appear in homes of all ages.
What has been inventoried so far?
NJ American Water - Penns Grove has completed an inventory of 60 service lines and identified all 60 as lead. This means the utility has done the basic detective work to flag which connections are known to contain lead. This is the first step toward addressing the problem.
However, the inventory may not yet be complete for the entire service area. Water utilities are required by state and federal rules to identify all lead service lines. If your home's service line hasn't been tested or inspected yet, you may not know its status.
What should you do if you live here?
Contact your water utility directly. Ask NJ American Water - Penns Grove whether your specific address has a lead service line. You can reach them through their customer service line or website.
If your home does have a lead service line, the utility can tell you whether it's prioritized for replacement and what your options are. Some utilities offer partial or full replacement costs; New Jersey has state funding programs for lead line removal.
In the meantime, if you're concerned about lead in drinking water, use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water pulls more lead from pipes), let the tap run for 30 seconds before filling a cup, and consider a pitcher filter with lead-removal certification if you want extra peace of mind.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB/GYN about testing if you're worried. The CDC has detailed guidance on lead and health at cdc.gov/nceh/lead.
Next steps for residents
- Call or visit NJ American Water - Penns Grove's website to request your service line status.
- Ask whether your address is on the list for replacement.
- If you have a lead line, learn about the utility's replacement program and any state funding you may qualify for.
- For health concerns, contact your doctor or local health department.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 60 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does NJ American Water - Penns Grove have lead service lines?
Yes. The utility has identified 60 lead service lines in its system. However, the full inventory may still be in progress. Contact the utility to learn about your specific address.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Contact NJ American Water - Penns Grove directly and ask. They maintain records of service line materials. If they can't tell you, a plumber can inspect the pipe connection at your property.
Is it dangerous to drink water from a lead service line?
Lead can leach into drinking water through lead pipes, especially in newer homes where pipes haven't developed a protective coating. Risk depends on water chemistry and age of the pipe. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned, especially if you have young children.
What can I do to reduce lead exposure right now?
Use cold water for drinking and cooking, let the tap run for 30 seconds before filling a cup, and consider a certified lead-removal pitcher filter. The most permanent solution is replacing the service line.