Aqua New Jersey begins $12.4 million lead pipe replacement in Phillipsburg, Blackwood
(UI) — Aqua New Jersey has launched projects to replace lead and galvanized service lines in Phillipsburg Township, Warren County, and Blackwood, Camden County, as part of a statewide initiative to remove aging pipes from the drinking water system.
The work, affecting more than 2,500 customers, involves replacing customer‑owned lines — pipes running from the curb to homes or businesses — at no direct cost to property owners. Aqua already treats drinking water to prevent lead from leaching into the supply, but replacing the lines offers an additional safeguard.
The company secured more than $12.4 million in low‑interest financing through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJ I‑Bank) to fund the effort. Work began earlier this month in Phillipsburg and is scheduled to start in Blackwood in August, with completion expected in 2026.
“Protecting our customers’ drinking water from contaminants like lead is our top priority,” said Aqua New Jersey President Natalie Chesko. “I want to thank NJ I‑Bank for supporting our service line replacement project which helps us deliver quality drinking water and gives our customers peace of mind.”
Since 2022, Aqua New Jersey has invested $35 million to replace more than 2,100 lead and galvanized lines across the state. The program is part of federal and state mandates, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s rules and New Jersey’s Lead Service Line Replacement Law, requiring utilities to identify and replace customer‑owned lead pipes.
Assemblyman John DiMaio praised the work in Phillipsburg, calling it “a vital step toward ensuring safe and clean drinking water for all residents” and a demonstration of “a strong commitment to modernizing our water infrastructure for future generations.”
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