Primer for Mayors – Let’s Get the Lead Out of Our Drinking Water: Lead Service Line Efficiency Measures

Access to clean and safe drinking water is important for the health and safety of all individuals in New Jersey, and has been a national priority since Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. As there is no safe level for lead exposure, water systems in New Jersey are working to meet the new statutory requirement to replace all lead service lines (LSL) by 2031.

This monumental effort requires collaboration and coordination; mayors, business administrators, and city managers will all play a pivotal role. This periodic primer from the JWW Lead in Drinking Water Task Force and LSL Implementation Workgroup provides key information on how lead pipes can be replaced quickly, cost-effectively, and with community support.

This primer provides an overview of the requirements of state legislation (P.L. 2021, c. 183) requiring the replacement of all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031. Additionally, this document provides and overview of 10 Lead Service Line Replacement efficiency measures to ensure equitable, cost effective, and efficient LSL replacement programs.