2026 Lead Service Replacement Program

 

 

Montclair Water Bureau: 2026 Lead Service Replacement Program

In July 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a package of bills aimed at protecting residents from lead poisoning. The new laws require all public community water systems in the state to inventory and replace all lead, galvanized, and brass service lines within 10 years.

While Montclair’s water mains do not contain lead, the water service line running from the water main to your home may be made of lead, especially if your building was constructed before 1940. Under the law, all lead service lines must be replaced within the 10-year period. Galvanized pipes and brass lines must also be replaced, as galvanized pipes can attract lead particles and brass pipes contain lead.

The Montclair Water Bureau has compiled an inventory of lead, galvanized, brass, copper, and unknown service line materials throughout the Township. This data has been submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and is available on the Township website.

Please review the posted data to see if the material of your home’s service line has been identified.

How to find out if you have a lead or galvanized service line:

  • Find your address on the lead inventory list here(PDF, 4MB). (Note: Addresses are sorted by number. If viewing on a computer you can press Ctrl + F, which will open a search box where you can search your exact address).

  • Check the column labeled "Suspected be lead? (Y/N)"

  • If your address is labeled with a "N", then no further action is needed.

  • If your address is labeled with a Y", then please submit a picture of the water service material entering your home to DoIHaveLead@montclairnjusa.org
  • If you need assistance, please make an appointment for the Water Bureau to inspect by calling 973-744-4600. 

The Water Bureau will continue this process by conducting test holes and working directly with homeowners to update the inventory. We may schedule appointments, request that homeowners submit photos, and/or provide swab kits in the near future to verify the material used for the water service entering your home.

Your help is essential in identifying all lead, galvanized, and brass pipes entering homes up to the water meter. The database will be updated regularly until the material composition of all service lines is confirmed.

The Water Bureau plans to launch a Lead Service Line Replacement Program in 2026 at no cost to homeowners. However, unknown service lines cannot be added to the project until they are identified. Please help us help you by sending photos of your service line before the meter and/or responding to Township letters or letters from National Metering Services regarding meter replacements.

If you have questions, please email the Water Bureau at DoIHaveLead@montclairnjusa.org.

Please do not call - email helps us track inquiries more efficiently. When emailing, include your home address in the subject line. Due to anticipated volume, please allow a few days for a response.

The Water Bureau will be reaching out to customers in the coming weeks to discuss next steps.

 

 

 

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