Lead
Lead is frequently featured in the news, both nationally and in New Jersey. It’s a toxic substance that causes neurological damage, especially to young children. Lead in drinking water is one source of exposure.
As indicated by recent drinking water test results from schools and homes in New Jersey and across the country (i.e., the widely publicized crisis in Flint, Michigan), lead in drinking water is not uncommon, especially in older buildings.
To explain why this is happening—and to position this crisis within a broader context that considers other water infrastructure needs—the Jersey Water Works Steering Committee issued a statement in 2019. In 2018, it convened the JWW Lead in Drinking Water Task Force, which issued a practical, broadly supported action agenda to eliminate the risk of lead in drinking water throughout New Jersey.
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06/25/26N.J. group cited for policy innovation, leadership in lead service line replacement
The Jersey Water Works Lead Service Line Implementation Workgroup received an award from the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative.READ ARTICLE
The group was honored in the Policy Innovation and Leadership category for its leadership and significant contributions to advancing lead service line replacement.#Drinking Water, #LeadOpen ROI-NJ in a new tabSOURCE
ROI-NJ
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06/25/26Press Release: New Jersey Group Wins Award for Policy Innovation and Leadership in Lead Service Line Replacement
National experts in water infrastructure convened in Washington, D.C. to celebrate and honor innovation and leadership in Lead Service Line Replacement Initiatives. New Jersey’s group, the Jersey Water Works Lead Service Line Implementation Workgroup, received an award for its work in advancing Lead Service Line Replacement.READ ARTICLE#Drinking Water, #LeadSOURCE
Deandrah Cameron, New Jersey Future; Paula Figueroa-Vega, Jersey Water Works -
09/24/25Lead Disclosure Bill Now Law
Lieutenant Governor Way signed into law New Jersey’s Bill S1034/A2929, marking a major victory for public health and tenant protections across the state. The legislation, which passed with unanimous approval in the state legislature, ensures that all tenants will receive critical information about potential lead exposure in their drinking water.READ ARTICLE
“Tenants are often the population least likely to know their status,” explains Deandrah Cameron, policy manager at New Jersey Future. “This new law ensures a more comprehensive, timely, and accurate disclosure process to all tenants, including those who don’t directly pay their water bills.”#Drinking Water, #LeadOpen Jersey Water Works in a new tabSOURCE
Jersey Water Works
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07/10/25NJ Schools can Access $94 Million in State Grants for Lead Remediation in Drinking Water
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — July 10, 2025 CONTACT: Heather Sorge, Lead-Free NJ Program Manager, hsorge@njfuture.org, 609-393-0008 ext 1016 NJ Schools can Access $94 Million in State Grants for Lead Remediation in Drinking Water (Jersey Water Works and Lead-Free New Jersey Urge Swift Action to Protect Children’s Health) Update: Deadline extended to October 31. TRENTON, NJ (July 10, 2025) — With children’s health on the line, Jersey Water Works ...READ ARTICLE#Lead, #Paying for Water Infrastructure -
12/19/24Water Professionals, Community Advocates, Policymakers, and Industry Leaders Connect
The Tenth Annual Jersey Water Works conference, a gathering of over 200 water professionals, community advocates, and policymakers from diverse backgrounds and regions of New Jersey, took place on December 13, 2024, at The College of New Jersey. The event marked a decade of progress in water management, fostering discussions on key issues and opportunities in the field.READ ARTICLE#Affordability, #Climate Resilience, #Community Engagement and Partnerships, #Data, #Drinking Water, #Green Infrastructure/Stormwater Management, #Lead, #Paying for Water Infrastructure, #Smart CSO Control Plans, #Wastewater, #WorkforceSOURCE
Paula Figueroa-Vega, Jersey Water Works Director
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05/01/26Filter First: A Solution for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in New Jersey Schools and Childcare Centers
JERSEY WATER WORKS LEAD IN DRINKING WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE In 2025, New Jersey took significant steps towards ensuring lead-safe drinking water in schools with two crucial actions. The first one was the passage of a filter bill providing grant funds for point-of-use filtered bottle-filling stations and filtered faucets. The second action was the announcement of round two funding for the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act (SOCFBA) grant ...LEARN MORE#Affordability,#Drinking Water,#Lead -
04/08/26Submitted Comments on Proposed Amendments to the New Jersey Lead and Copper Rule
The Jersey Water Works Lead in Drinking Advisory Committee submits the following comments on Proposed Amendments and New Rule N.J.A.C. 7:10-5.9 Docket Number: 11-25-12: Background The Lead in Drinking Water Advisory Committee at Jersey Water Works (JWW) brings together a diverse group of experts to achieve practical, cost-effective, equitable, and permanent solutions to removing lead from drinking water. Overview Jersey Water Works is pleased to ...LEARN MORE#LeadPRODUCT OF
Lead in Drinking Water Task Force
Visit the Lead in Drinking Water Task Force page -
12/03/25Early Trends in Lead Service Line Inventories: Reflections from New Jersey
This report examined quantitative data on lead service line (LSL) replacements and contextualized it through case studies of five New Jersey water systems. These narratives provide valuable insights into the successes, challenges, and lessons learned during the initial years of implementing LSL replacements. While data is a powerful tool for understanding the landscape of LSL replacement in New Jersey, it is essential to acknowledge the ...LEARN MORE#Lead -
02/26/25Webinar: Lessons Learned: Two Years of Accelerating Lead Service Line Replacement in New Jersey Communities
The Jersey Water Works Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Implementation Workgroup partnered with the New Jersey Water Association on Tuesday, January 28, 2024, to offer guidance to NJ Drinking Water System Operators on Lessons Learned: Two Years of Accelerating Lead Service Line Replacement in New Jersey Communities. Presenters included: Noemi de la Puente, Trenton Water Works (Moderator) Kristin Epstein, CDM Smith, Chelsea Kulp, New Jersey ...LEARN MORE#LeadPRODUCT OF
Lead in Drinking Water Task Force
Visit the Lead in Drinking Water Task Force page -
12/12/242024 Report: Lessons Learned After Two Years of Accelerating Lead Service Line Replacement in New Jersey Communities
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. Despite progress, drinking water systems, governments, and stakeholders face numerous obstacles in complying with the legislation. Overcoming these challenges requires clear standards and communication, sustainable financing models, and education and outreach to property ...LEARN MORE#LeadPRODUCT OF
Lead in Drinking Water Task Force
Visit the Lead in Drinking Water Task Force page
