Residents in portions of Lakewood may notice crews going door-to-door as part of New Jersey American Water’s ongoing effort to identify and replace lead service lines.
According to New Jersey American Water’s qualified contractor, CDM Smith, crews are currently canvassing homes on and around Route 88 and Cedarbridge Avenue, to determine whether properties may be eligible for lead service line replacement.
The canvassing is part of New Jersey American Water’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, which was launched in response to a 2021 New Jersey law requiring all water utilities to identify and replace lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031.
A service line is the pipe that carries water from the water main in the street into a home or building. The line includes both the utility-owned portion and the section owned by the property owner.
Residents and property owners have the option to self-identify their service line material by submitting photographs to New Jersey American Water or by scheduling a free in-person inspection at a convenient time. The utility has been mailing informational materials in multiple languages to potentially affected customers explaining how to participate in the program.
In addition to customer-initiated inspections, authorized canvassers may visit designated properties to assist residents with the identification process. Officials stressed that inspections are free and typically take about 15 minutes.
Residents are advised that canvassers will never request sensitive personal, financial, or documentation-related information. Authorized representatives will wear clearly marked high-visibility vests displaying New Jersey American Water and CDM Smith logos and will carry official identification.
New Jersey American Water emphasized that all canvassing, inspections, and any future replacement work are being conducted solely by the utility or its authorized contractors. Neither Lakewood Township nor any other government agency is performing the work, although the effort has been coordinated with the township to help promote public awareness and safety.
Officials also stressed that residents can continue using their water normally. New Jersey American Water says its drinking water continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards, including those related to lead.
Additional information, including an interactive service line inventory map and tools to help homeowners identify their service line materials, is available through New Jersey American Water’s lead service line program resources. Residents with questions may contact the utility’s Lead Team by email at leadfreenj@amwater.com or call CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.
