New Federal Requirements Make Lead Pipe Replacement a Priority for Middletown Homeowners
With the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent mandate requiring water systems to replace all lead pipes within 10 years, Middletown homeowners need to understand how these sweeping changes will affect their water safety and property values. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years, along with more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water.
Understanding the Health Risks of Lead Pipes
Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. The science is clear—there is no safe level of lead exposure. Yet, lead in drinking water pipes and faucets threatens the health of American families and children across the country. EPA estimates that up to 9 million homes are served through legacy lead pipes across the country, many of which are in lower-income communities and communities of color, creating disproportionate lead exposure burden for these families.
Lead is harmful to human health and can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water.
New Jersey’s Lead Pipe Replacement Initiative
New Jersey has taken a proactive approach to addressing lead contamination. Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that requires all water providers in New Jersey check all service lines and replace those confirmed to be lead or galvanized steel, with a goal of replacing all lead service lines by 2031. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy stated, “In order to prevent toxic exposures for this generation and beyond, we have committed to replacing every lead service line in New Jersey by 2031.”
New Jersey has received $123.1 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. This substantial federal funding will significantly accelerate replacement efforts throughout the state.
What Middletown Homeowners Can Expect
For Middletown residents, the lead pipe replacement process is already underway. New Jersey American Water will be launching their Lead Service Line Replacement Program in Middletown with support of their qualified contractor, CDM Smith, beginning in February 2025. New Jersey American Water is committed to replacing all lead and galvanized water service lines by 2031.
Homeowners should be prepared for door-to-door canvassing as part of the assessment process. Starting this month, New Jersey American Water will be knocking on doors. You do not have to let them inside. If customers feel hesitant about letting someone into their home, they will need homeowners’ support in self-identifying their service line material and reporting it to the water company.
Understanding Service Line Ownership and Costs
The service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main in the street. A portion of the service line to your residence is owned by New Jersey American Water, while the other portion is owned by the homeowner. However, homeowners won’t face immediate out-of-pocket expenses. There is no direct, out of pocket cost to you at the time of the replacement.
The program is funded through customer surcharges. Starting in February 2023, NJ American Water started adding a Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) charge to all customers’ monthly bills. The surcharge for the average residential customer will be $0.91 per month.
Federal Funding and Support Programs
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $50 billion to support upgrades to the nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes $15 billion over five years dedicated to lead service line replacement and $11.7 billion of general Drinking Water State Revolving Funds that can also be used for lead service line replacement. This funding will flow through the drinking water state revolving funds (DWSRFs) and is available to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects.
Additionally, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid. This ensures that communities with the greatest need receive priority assistance.
Working with Professional Plumbing Contractors
While water utilities handle the main service line replacements, homeowners may need to address plumbing issues that arise during or after the replacement process. When seeking professional assistance, it’s important to work with experienced local contractors who understand the unique challenges of water line work in Monmouth County.
For residents needing reliable plumbing services, finding a trusted plumber middletown area can make all the difference when dealing with water line issues or related plumbing concerns. AME Plumbing Heating & Cooling has been serving the Monmouth County community as a family-owned business since 2008, offering comprehensive plumbing services with a commitment to honesty, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
Preparing for the Future
The lead pipe replacement initiative represents a historic investment in public health and infrastructure. Investments in identifying lead pipes, planning for their removal, and replacing them will create jobs in local communities while strengthening the foundation of safe drinking water that supports economic opportunity.
Homeowners should stay informed about their water utility’s replacement schedule and take advantage of resources available through their provider. Customers can visit www.newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts to learn more about the program, look up their address on the interactive inventory map as well as a variety of resources to help educate customers about lead service lines and the company’s replacement process.
The 10-year timeline for complete lead pipe replacement represents an ambitious but achievable goal that will ensure safer drinking water for generations to come. By understanding the process and staying engaged with local utilities and contractors, Middletown homeowners can navigate this transition smoothly while protecting their families’ health and their property investments.