New Jersey American Water advances lead pipe replacements, exceeds 12,000 replacements
(UI) — New Jersey American Water is making steady progress in replacing lead service lines across its service areas, surpassing 12,000 replacements through its Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
The utility remains on track to meet a 2021 New Jersey law requiring the removal of both utility-owned and customer-owned lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031.
“In towns across our service area, we have been able to systematically identify and replace thousands of lead and galvanized steel service lines for our customers,” said New Jersey American Water President Mark McDonough. “While the work continues, I am proud of the progress we’ve made and the program we’ve built, which utilizes an array of touchpoints with our customers including email and direct mail, door-to-door canvassing, community partnerships, social media and creative video content to effectively educate customers and move this initiative forward. We’re well on our way to creating a lead-free New Jersey.”
The company launched its statewide replacement program in 2022, providing customer outreach and an online tool to help residents identify and report their service line materials.
This year, New Jersey American Water plans to implement predictive modeling to optimize replacements. Approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, this approach aims to enhance service line inventory accuracy while reducing the need for in-person inspections and test pits.
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