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Getting the Lead Out

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  • Program Mission
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  • Inventory Map & Program Resources
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  • Materials Survey
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Our Commitment

We’re Excited To Announce A New Utility-Wide Lead Service Line Replacement Program Where We Plan To Remove All Lead And Galvanized Steel Service Lines By 2031.

In accordance with the New Jersey Legislation signed into law on July 22, 2021, utilities must replace the entire length of the lead or galvanized steel service line from the water main in the street to the water meter on the home or building owner’s property.

At many homes with lead and galvanized steel service lines, Middlesex Water has already replaced the portion of the service line that the Company owns, from the water main in the street to the curb stop in the sidewalk. To begin replacing the portion of the service line owned by the property owner, Middlesex Water will need help to identify the material of the service line on customers’ property.

The following information covers:

  • Lead in drinking water
  • Steps customers should take to prevent lead exposure
  • Steps Middlesex Water is taking to address lead/galvanized steel in customer and company owned service lines
  • Answers to frequently asked questions

Background

Like many other water systems in New Jersey, the Middlesex Water system has older homes and buildings that may have lead and galvanized steel service lines. The service lines are small, buried pipes that bring water from the water main in the street to buildings. As water travels through the lead or galvanized steel service line, the corrosion of the pipe can add lead into the treated water delivered to customers. The treated water from Middlesex Water’s treatment plant and street water mains is otherwise lead free. Therefore, the existing lead service lines, lead solder in indoor plumbing, and lead in some older plumbing fixtures are the causes of lead in customers’ drinking water.

Exposure to high levels of lead is a serious health risk. Lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells, and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children, pregnant women, and unborn babies.

Middlesex Water has been working with communities to reduce their lead exposure. To date, Middlesex Water has taken the following actions:

  • Replaced most of the known lead service lines on the utility owned portion of the service line. MWC is in the process of replacing known galvanized steel service lines on utility owned portion of the service line, which can have some lead.
  • Uses pH control and adds the corrosion control chemical, zinc orthophosphate as a treatment chemical.  Zinc orthophosphate coats the inside of the service lines helping to minimize the amount of lead dissolving into the water.
  • Tests water every six months in at least 100 high-risk homes in the distribution system, in compliance with state and federal requirements. The test results have never been above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) lead or copper action levels per the Lead and Copper Rule.

Program Expectations

A letter will go out (February 2022) to all Middlesex Water customers with known lead or galvanized steel service lines explaining a New Jersey Legislation signed into law on July 22, 2021, which requires water utilities to replace all lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031. Middlesex Water is starting a program that will replace all remaining lead and galvanized steel service lines at no direct cost to the property owner.

Without financial help from the utility, a property owner would pay about $3000 to $5000 to replace their service line. Middlesex Water is not required to help financially but decided that a no cost program would be the best way to ensure public health. Since service lines are owned by both the property owner and Middlesex Water, the success of the program requires property owner collaboration. Middlesex Water needs your help to identify the material of the water service line located on your property, so we can replace lead and galvanized steel service lines with a copper service line. Information on how to identify your service line material and provide the results to Middlesex Water is provided in the section below “Getting the Lead Out- A Shared Responsibility”.

Getting the Lead Out: A Shared Responsibility

Ownership of the lead service line is shared between Middlesex Water and property owners, and depends on your water meter location.

If your water meter is located inside your home or building, Middlesex Water is responsible for the service line from the main in the street to the curb stop, typically at the property line or in the sidewalk. The property owner is responsible for the service line from the curb stop to the meter inside the home.

Water Meter Inside
Water Meter – Inside Home

If your water meter is in a pit outside your home or building, Middlesex Water is responsible for the service line from the main in the street to the meter, including the meter. The property owner is responsible for the service line from the meter to the connection to the plumbing inside the home.

Water Meter Outside
Water Meter – Outside Home

Since Middlesex Water cannot easily access the part of the water service line located on your property, we need your help to identify the water service line material on your property. You can use this guidance to determine your service line material.

Once you know your service line material, please complete this survey so Middlesex Water can update our records. An accurate inventory of service line materials helps Middlesex Water make sure that every lead and galvanized service line in the service area is removed. If you have a lead or galvanized service line, removing the service line from your property is a big opportunity to reduce the risk of lead getting into your water.

Once the property owner identifies a lead and galvanized steel service line, Middlesex Water will visit the property to confirm the findings and schedule your replacement at no cost to the homeowner.

To learn more about lead in drinking water, testing your water for lead, and water filters, see the Learn More section below under Program Resources.

Program Resources

View Our Current Inventory Map

You can use the map* below to look up your address in our records and learn if you might have a lead or galvanized steel service line.

View the Inventory maps above to see if we have information for your service line, if not The Materials Verification Test below can help you figure out if you have a lead, galvanized steel, copper, or plastic service line on the portion of the service line you own. When you have completed the visual inspection, please submit your results using the following survey link.

Middlesex Water Company

This tool is only for Middlesex Water customers in the Township of Woodbridge, the city of South Amboy, the Borough of Carteret, the Borough of Metuchen, the Township of Edison, the Borough of South Plainfield, the Township of Clark.

Simply search for your address using the search bar at the top-right corner of the map.

On a mobile device? We recommend using full screen app.

Can’t find your address? Please be sure you have entered it correctly in the search tool. If your address is not represented on the map or no instructions are provided, then our records indicate this address is not associated with a Middlesex Water account in our Enterprise system.

For Bayview Customers

For Pinelands Water Customers

Materials Inventory Survey:
Help Middlesex Water Update Its Records

Middlesex Water needs your help in updating its records on the material of the service line on your property.

View the Inventory maps above to see if we have information for your service line.  If not, if you can check to see if you have a Lead Service Line and report it to us via our survey tool.

VIEW THE MATERIALS VERIFICATION TEST >

An accurate inventory helps Middlesex Water make sure every lead service line in the service area is removed.

Survey Form

 

Learn More about Lead in Drinking Water

Exposure to high levels of lead is a serious health risk. Lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells, and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children and pregnant women and their unborn babies.

The following content provides information about:

  • Public health risk from lead
  • Flushing your service line to temporarily remove lead
  • Water filters to remove lead
  • Testing your water for lead

Public Health In children, low levels of exposure to lead have been associated with damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter height, impaired hearing, and impaired blood cell formation and function. Lead can also cross the placental barrier, exposing the fetus to lead, causing reduced growth and premature birth.

Most lead exposure comes from contaminated soil, dust, or paint chips. However, while rarely found in water leaving a treatment plant or traveling through a main, lead can be in drinking water. Lead enters water as a result of corrosion, as water comes into lead pipes connecting homes to water mains. Lead can also enter water when it comes in contact with lead materials in indoor plumbing and plumbing fixtures. Since you cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water, customers should know if their service line or parts of home plumbing have lead, and replace what may have lead.

Flushing Your Service Line Flushing your water tap can help you avoid high lead levels. If your water has gone unused for more than 6 hours, let the water run for about five minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. Flushing means your water is coming directly from the main, where lead is rarely present, instead of coming from sitting in a pipe in contact with lead or lead parts.

Water Filters You can also purchase a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) 53-certified water filtration system, which can be installed at the faucet, or a filter pitcher that will remove lead. A water filter installed at the faucet will remove lead that may have entered the water from the service line, indoor plumbing, and plumbing fixtures. More information about NSF filters and a list of certified filters »

Water Testing You can also have a state-approved laboratory (Link to Testing for Lead in Drinking Water) test your water for lead. If the test shows a high value (more than 0.015 milligrams per liter), contact Middlesex Water for additional information on how best to protect yourself and your family. The following state-approved laboratories in Middlesex County are certified to analyze for lead:

  • Accredited Analytical Resources, LLC, Carteret Boro, 732-969-6112
  • Eurofins Test America, Edison, 732-593-2519
  • SGS North America, Inc, Dayton, 732-329-0200

To learn more about health effects of lead and how to reduce exposure, review the FAQs and the following additional resources:

https://youtu.be/PqFHrae92OM

https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/default.htm

https://www.state.nj.us/health/childhoodlead/resources.shtml

https://nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/dw_lead_factsheet.pdf

https://www.lslr-collaborative.org/uploads/9/2/0/2/92028126/lslrc_fact_sheet_lsls.pdf

For questions related to lead in drinking water, checking your service line material, or lead service line replacement, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact Middlesex Water at [email protected] or 800-549-3802.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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485C Route 1 South, Suite 400                             Iselin, NJ 08830

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MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY LEAD PROGRAM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a water service line?

Water service lines are small pipes that carry water from the Middlesex Water Company’s water mains, located in the streets, into individual homes and other buildings.

Who is responsible for the water service line on my property?

For property owners with the meter inside the home, Middlesex Water Company is responsible for the service line from the main in the street to the curb stop, typically at the property line or in the sidewalk. The property owner is responsible for the service line from the curb stop to the meter inside the home.

For property owners with the meter in a pit outside the home, Middlesex Water Company is responsible for the service line from the main in the street to the meter, including the meter. The property owner is responsible for the service line from the meter to the connection to the plumbing inside the home.

What sources of lead are there in my home?

a. Service lines, they can be made of lead, galvanized steel, plastic, brass, copper, cast iron or ductile iron.

b. Plumbing fixtures (faucets, valves, fittings, etc.), indoor copper plumbing pipes contain lead solder.

Why does the water service line or plumbing fixture at my home contain lead?

Lead was commonly used for water service lines until 1960 and in household plumbing fixtures and solder until 1986, when it was banned. From 1986 to 2014, plumbing fixtures could contain up to 8% lead to be categorized as, “Lead free”. However, current standards for “Lead free” fixtures allow no more than 0.25% of lead content.

Many homes and buildings, especially those built before 1986, may have service lines and/or internal plumbing and fixtures that are made of or contain lead.

How can I tell if my plumbing fixtures have lead or lead solder in them?

Many homes and buildings, especially those built before 1986, may have service lines and/or internal plumbing and fixtures that are made of or contain lead. A licensed plumber can help figure out if you have lead material in your indoor plumbing. You can also use an EPA-approved lead test kit, such as:

EPA-approved Lead Test Kit 

3M Lead Check Swabs 

Why is Middlesex Water conducting a lead pipe replacement program now?

Middlesex Water is doing a lead pipe replacement initiative to meet the New Jersey Legislation signed into law on July 22, 2021, to replace all lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031. Although MWC has replaced the majority of the lead pipes on the service line portion it owns, the new legislation includes galvanized pipes and includes replacement on the customer-owned side. Utilities must replace the entire length of the lead or galvanized steel service line from the water main in the street to the connection inside the home.

Why is Middlesex Water also replacing galvanized steel service lines?

Lead particles can attach to the surface of galvanized pipes and some galvanized pipes were made with lead in the pipe wall material. Over time, the particles can enter your drinking water.

What level of lead is safe to consume?

All lead exposure has risk. Therefore, there is no safe level of lead. In collaboration with their customers, Middlesex Water Company hopes to remove all lead service lines in their service area to protect customers’ health and wellbeing.

What is Middlesex Water doing to decrease lead in my water?

Middlesex Water has protectively replaced most of the lead service lines in the public right-of-way and adds a corrosion control treatment to your water to minimize lead amounts. We are now helping our customers replace the lead services lines on their private property.

  • To optimize water quality, Middlesex Water uses pH control and adds the corrosion control chemical, zinc orthophosphate. Zinc orthophosphate coats the service lines helping to minimize the amount of lead dissolving into the water from the lead service lines, lead solder and older fixtures.
  • Middlesex Water is conducting a utility-wide replacement of lead and galvanized steel service lines from the curb stop to the connection inside the home (the portion owned by the homeowner) throughout the service area. Middlesex water has already begun to replace known lead service lines on the utility owned side of the service line. They have also started reaching out to customers to schedule lead line replacements on the property owner’s side of the service line.
Has Middlesex Water Company’s regular water testing shown high lead levels?

Middlesex Water Company tests water every six months in at least 100 high risk homes in the distribution system, in compliance with state and federal requirements and has never exceeded the EPA’s lead or copper action levels per the Lead and Copper Rule.

Test results from individual homes can show higher levels of lead depending on individual water usage and piping components, such as lead or galvanized steel service lines, plumbing materials, brass fittings, or lead solder on interior home plumbing.

How does lead get into the drinking water?

Lead can get into drinking water from the plumbing inside your building or the service line between the street and your building. When water sits in the service line or your building’s plumbing without being used for several hours, such as overnight, the lead may dissolve into the water.

When water leaves Middlesex Water Company’s water treatment plant, it does not have lead. The water mains in the street that transport water from the treatment plant are made mostly of iron and steel, and do not add lead to the drinking water. Therefore, the best way to stop lead from getting into your drinking water is replacing the water service line and older plumbing and fixtures in your home.

How do I know if I have a lead or galvanized steel service line that requires replacement?

You can do a materials verification test to find out if your service line has lead by following these instructions »

I did a materials verification test, but I cannot tell if I have a lead service line.
What should I do?

Schedule a free inspection by calling 800-549-3802. Middlesex Water Company is providing free water service line inspections to help property owners and tenants find out if they have a lead service line.

If my home’s plumbing has lead solder, how can I protect myself right now?

MWC has a Corrosion Control Program that will minimize the release of lead even if you have lead in your solder. If you would like to take an additional step to protect yourself from lead , flush your system by running cold water for about 3-5 minutes whenever the water in your home has not been used for more than 6 hours. A licensed plumber can also replace pipes that have lead solder with lead-free pipes.

How can I get my water tested for lead?

A state-approved laboratory can test your water for lead. If the water testing results find lead levels at or greater than 15 parts per billion, contact the Middlesex Water Company at 800.549.3802 to conduct an investigation for the cause of the high level. Middlesex County has the following state-approved laboratories:

  • Accredited Analytical Resources, LLC, Carteret Boro, 732-969-6112
  • Eurofins Test America, Edison, 732-593-2519
  • SGS North America, Inc., Dayton, 732-329-0200
How do I find where the water service line is on my property?

You can find your water service line by first finding the water meter, which measures the amount of water entering your home for daily use. The water meter might be in your basement or outside your home in a water meter pit. The water service line is the pipe that connects the water meter to the water main in the street. For assistance in locating the water service line, call Middlesex Water Company at 800-549-3802.

Water Meter
This is an example of a water meter.
How do I report my water service line material to Middlesex Water Company?

Completing the self-reporting survey that’s COMING SOON will help Middlesex Water company track which customers do or do not need water service line replacement. You can also call 800-549- 3802 to report your service line material.

If my service line is a lead line, when will it replaced?

If you think your service line is made of lead, please contact the Middlesex Water Company 800- 549-3802 so we can confirm and take action. Middlesex Water Company will provide additional information about scheduling the inspection and replacement of your service line.

How can lead affect my health?

Exposure to high levels of lead is a serious health risk. Lead builds up in the body over many years and can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells, and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children, pregnant women, and unborn babies. Amounts of lead that will not harm adults can slow down the normal mental and physical development of children, particularly those under 6 years old.

How can I decrease lead exposure?

You can take several actions to decrease your lead exposure, including:

  • Replacing your lead service line.
  • Getting a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-Certified home water treatment device, faucet, or pitcher filter that removes lead. The device must be both NSF 42- and NSF 53- certified to remove lead. Devices and filters installed at the faucet will remove any lead contained in indoor plumbing and plumbing fixtures.
  • Buying plumbing fixtures (faucets, valves, sinks, hose bibs, etc.) that have zero- or low-lead content meeting the current “lead-free” requirements. Read the labels of any new plumbing fixtures closely.
  • Running tap water for about five minutes before you use it for drinking or cooking, if the water has gone unused for more than 6 hours. In doing so, you are flushing the stagnated water and getting fresh water from the water main pipe.
  • Using fresh, cold, running water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula.
  • Removing and cleaning faucet screens and aerators every 6 months.
Can I shower in lead-contaminated water?

Yes. Human skin does not absorb lead in water. Bathing and showering should be safe for you and your children, even if the water contains lead over EPA’s action level.

Where can I get more information about lead in drinking water?
  • Visit the Middlesex Water Company Lead Information Page
  • Visit the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule website
  • Visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP)’s Lead and Copper Rule website 
Will I have to pay to have my service line replaced?

Not during the lead replacement initiative. Middlesex Water Company will replace all lead and galvanized steel water service lines at no cost to the property owner or tenant. If the property owner chooses to not participate in the initiative, future replacement will be at the cost of the property owner.

If my lead service line is replaced, will all the lead in my drinking water be removed?

Not necessarily. If you live in a building that was built prior to 1986, it is possible that your plumbing fixtures contain lead or lead solder was used at the joints of your interior piping. A licensed plumber can help figure out if you have lead material in your indoor plumbing, or you can use an EPA-approved Lead Test Kit More information on kits »

Why should I replace my lead service line?

You should replace your lead service line to protect your personal health and your family’s health. No amount of lead is safe for humans to consume. Young children (under 6 years old) and the elderly can be more affected by lead exposure. They, along with pregnant women, may be at a higher public health risk to lead.

MATERIALS VERIFICATION TEST

The Materials Verification Test below can help you figure out if you have a lead, galvanized steel, copper, or plastic service line on the portion of the service line you own. When you have completed the visual inspection, please submit your results using the following survey link. If you have a lead or galvanized steel service line, Middlesex Water will contact you to confirm the results and schedule your service line replacement.

What you need:

  1. House key or coin
  2. Strong refrigerator magnet

Steps to check your service line:

  1. Find the water meter in your basement or outside your home and look at the service line that enters the water meter.
  2. Use the house key or coin to carefully scratch the pipe surface.
  3. Compare the scratched area to the following descriptions:
    • If it looks shiny and silver, the pipe is made of lead. A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.
    • If it is a dull gray color with no noticeable scratch on the surface, the pipe is galvanized steel. A magnet will stick to a galvanized steel pipe.
    • If it is the same color as a penny, the pipe is copper. A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe.
    • If it is smooth and red, blue, white, or black, the pipe is plastic. A magnet will not stick to a plastic pipe.
  4. Report your service line material in this SURVEY
copper pipe
Dull brown or greenish: You DO NOT have a lead service line
Galvanized Steel Pipe
Grey or silver: You DO have a galvanized steel service line that should be replaced. A magnet will stick to a galvanized steel service line.
Lead Pipe
Grey or silver: You DO have a lead service line that should be replaced.
Red, blue, black, or white: You DO NOT have lead service line.

ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

THE MIDDLESEX WATER ENTERPRISE WILL:

• Comply with, or produce results better than, applicable laws and regulations set forth by state utility commissions and government environmental regulatory agencies.

• Include the consideration of environmental impact in all business strategies, initiatives and project plans.

• Work to ensure a reliable source of water supply.

• Promote respect for the environment as part of our Company’s culture among employees and our suppliers in their daily operations.

• Focus on reducing the amount of water lost (non-revenue) in our distribution system and employ leak detection and other available technology to achieve this goal.

• Prevent pollution, reduce waste and minimize the consumption of resources to minimize risks to the environment.

• Continually work to educate customers about the importance of protecting and preserving our natural resources and the importance of wise water use.

• Educate, train and motivate employees to carry out tasks in an environmentally responsible manner.

• Build in system resiliency to mitigate effects of climate change and other short and long-term climate related challenges.

• Use efficient practices that save fuel, energy and water.

• Work with our industry and legislative representatives to shape public policy and legislation that supports water objectives and helps ensure safe drinking water.

• Invest prudently in our systems for infrastructure stability, operational resiliency and continued sustainability utilizing sound asset management planning.

• Engage with our community to ensure responsiveness to local needs and interests.

• Work in collaboration with our communities, local municipal officials and our vendors to ensure a clean, safe, reliable and resilient water supply.

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