Lead Service Lines in the NJ American Water - Liberty System
NJ American Water - Liberty serves about 134,000 people across parts of New Jersey. The utility has identified 227 lead service lines in its water system so far.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe that connects your home's water inlet to the main water line under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Water sitting in these pipes overnight or between uses can pick up lead, which poses real health risks—especially for young children and pregnant people.
What NJ American Water - Liberty has found
The utility has completed an inventory of 227 service lines and confirmed they contain lead. This is the count they've identified and documented so far. Lead service lines are still being inventoried across the service area, so this number may change as the survey continues.
What you should do now
If you live in the NJ American Water - Liberty service area:
- Contact the utility directly to ask whether your address has a lead service line. They should have records or can test your water.
- Get your water tested if you're unsure. A simple test costs under $50 and tells you whether lead is present in your tap water.
- Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster. Let water run for 30 seconds before using it, especially first thing in the morning.
- Learn about replacement options. In New Jersey, homeowners may be eligible for cost-sharing programs to replace lead service lines. Ask your utility about current programs and timelines.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB/GYN about lead exposure risk and whether blood testing makes sense for your household.
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Next steps for residents
- Call NJ American Water - Liberty's customer service to ask if your address is on the lead service line inventory
- Request a free or low-cost water test to check for lead in your tap water
- Visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for state-level resources on lead replacement funding
- If lead is found, discuss options with your utility—many areas now offer rebates or grants for replacement
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 227 |
|---|---|
| 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 NJ American Water - Liberty directly with your address—they have the inventory records. You can also request a water test, which is the most reliable way to know if lead is actually entering your home.
Is lead service line water dangerous to drink?
Lead in drinking water poses real health risks, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. Contact the CDC or your doctor for specific health concerns. The safest step is to get your water tested and explore replacement options.
What should I do if my house has a lead service line?
Use only cold tap water for drinking and cooking, let water run 30 seconds before use, and contact your utility about replacement programs. New Jersey may offer cost-sharing assistance—ask NJ American Water - Liberty about current funding.
Will the water company replace my lead service line?
Utilities are required to replace lead lines on public property; responsibility for the private side (your home's connection) varies by program. Ask NJ American Water - Liberty about their replacement timeline and whether state or local funds can help cover your costs.