About the Project
Program Explanation
Like many other communities in NJ, some homes within the PVWC service area have lead and galvanized service lines: the pipes that bring water from the street into the home. PVWC is doing a lead service line replacement project to meet the New Jersey Legislation signed into law on July 22, 2021. The law requires us to replace all lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031. Utilities must replace the entire lead or galvanized steel service line: from the water main in the street to the curb box in the sidewalk (this pipe is owned by PVWC) and from the curb box to the connection inside the home (this pipe is owned by the homeowner).
Starting in September 2022, PVWC will replace 6,500 lead and galvanized steel service lines in Clifton, Passaic, Paterson, and Prospect Park. PVWC and their consultant, CDM Smith will also do door to door inspections at about 11,000 homes where the service line material is unknown to confirm that those service lines are not made of lead or galvanized steel. The project will take three years to complete. If you live in the city of Clifton, Passaic, Paterson or Prospect Park, and have a lead or galvanized steel service line, replacing your service line is FREE and REQUIRED by law.
PVWC has been replacing lead service lines on PVWC owned side of the service line since the 1980s. However, the new law requires replacing the entire service line, including the customer-owned side. The new law also considers galvanized steel pipes as lead pipes. Lead particles can attach to the surface of galvanized pipes and some galvanized pipes were made with lead in the pipe wall material.
In addition to removing lead and galvanized steel service lines, PVWC is reducing lead exposure to customers by:
Checking the water system for lead twice a year in accordance with state and federal environmental regulations
Using a corrosion control treatment system, which helps minimize the process of lead dissolving into the water from the service pipes and lead solder in household plumbing
Testing the water on a weekly and monthly basis to make sure the corrosion control treatment systems are working properly
Providing free water testing and service line inspections to help customers find out if they have a lead service line on their property. To schedule and inspection or water test, contact PVWC Customer Service at 973-340-4300 or leadfree@pvwc.com.
What is a Lead Service Line?
Service lines bring water from the water main in the street into your home. When water leaves PVWC’s water treatment plant, it is clean and lead-free. The water mains underground that transport water from the treatment plant do not add lead to the drinking water. The first time lead can enter the water is when it passes through a lead or galvanized steel the service line.