Mayor Ras J. Baraka launched the City of Newark’s effort to modernize its water infrastructure last week, officially breaking ground on Phase 1 of the Lead Service Line Replacement Program to permanently replace about 1,500 residential lead service lines. The first phase is part of an eight-year, $75 million infrastructure program to remove approximately 15,000 lead service lines across Newark.

“[This] groundbreaking represents our commitment to delivering real, lasting solutions for the people of Newark by replacing decades-old residential lead service lines across our city,” said Mayor Baraka. “As an older, urban community, Newark has outdated lead service lines, and we look forward to modernizing our infrastructure and reducing risk for Newark’s families through the Lead Service Line Replacement Program.”

Phase 1 construction is expected to take one year to complete. The work will be conducted by private contractors who were selected based on competitive bids. Locations were selected based on level of risk, known areas with at-risk populations such as children, minimizing disruption to the existing water system and within funding limitations. The application period opened to all Newark residents in April 2018.

Phase 2 is anticipated to begin in the third or fourth quarter of 2019. There is no deadline for residents to apply for the Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The program is distributed evenly in each ward on a first come, first serve basis.

“Updating New Jersey’s water infrastructure is a critical part of protecting the health of New Jersey families,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. “The state is glad to see Newark moving forward with the Lead Service Line Replacement Program to provide permanent protection for its residents from the health hazards of lead drinking water pipes.”

The City of Newark and the State of New Jersey have worked together to provide the financial resources that cap out-of-pocket costs for homeowners. While the average cost of replacing residential lead service lines for homeowners generally ranges between $4,000 and $10,000, Newark’s goal is for homeowners to pay no more than $1,000 under the program.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Governor Murphy, legislative leaders and Newark City Council members for working together with the City to make the Lead Service Line Replacement Program a reality,” continued Mayor Baraka. “Our partnership with the State of New Jersey is critical in helping homeowners afford the cost of replacing lead service lines.”

The City is currently accepting registrations for Phase 1 of the program. If residents recently received a notification to have their lead service line replaced, they should do one of the following:

If residents have not yet received a letter but believe they may have a lead service line on their property, they should receive an invitation in a later phase of the program. Residents who are unsure if they have a lead service line should contact the City at waterandsewer@ci.newark.nj.us or (973) 733-6303 to request an inspection for material verification.

More than 34,000 residents have received lead-safe filters to date through the City’s door-to-door campaign or by visiting one of seven pick-up locations. Each filter cartridge lasts up to 100 gallons or approximately three months, and many filters are reaching the point where current cartridges will need to be replaced. It is important for residents with filters to make sure they change their filter cartridge every three months. If the light on the filter is red, that means it is time for residents to change their filter cartridges. Free replacement cartridges are available at all pick-up locations in the City. For more information about how to obtain a filter, replacement cartridge or how to change your filter cartridge, residents should visit www.NewarkLeadServiceLine.com.

In Newark, aggressive water testing recently found elevated levels of lead in single and multi-family homes with decades-old lead service lines or plumbing containing lead. The corrosion control system, which worked effectively at preventing lead from releasing into the water for almost 25 years, is no longer effective. It is the last stretch of lead service lines, on private property between the street and approximately 15,000 homes, that is changing the makeup of the water.

Following the City’s first exceedance of the lead action level in the first half of 2017, certain provisions were triggered under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule requiring Newark to address lead service lines. Newark is going beyond the federal requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule, which outlines drinking water requirements for both states and public water systems.

Since October 2018, the City of Newark has taken steps to immediately address elevated levels of lead in the water, including:

  • Distributing over 34,000 lead-safe water filters and replacement cartridges to impacted homeowners free-of-charge through distribution centers located throughout the city and door-to-door canvassing
  • Spending over 25,000 hours going door-to-door distributing free water filters
  • Offering free water testing to impacted homeowners
  • Developing a partnership with the State of New Jersey to replace residential lead service lines
  • Moving swiftly to install a new corrosion control system to replace the one that is no longer effective

For more information about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, understanding which homes are impacted, as well as how to obtain and install water filters or cartridges, visit https://www.NewarkLeadServiceLine.com.

 

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