In July 2021, the state of New Jersey enacted legislation that requires all water utilities in the state to replace the entire length of the lead or galvanized steel service line starting at the water main in the street to the water meter in the property within the next 10 years.
One of the first steps required by the law was the preparation and submission of an initial lead service line inventory to the NJDEP on January 22, 2022. This week, the Highland Park Water Department took the next required step and sent a "Notice of Lead Service Line Material" to the owners and occupants of 47 properties where our records indicate that the service line material may be made of lead or galvanized steel.
From now until July 22, 2022, the Water Department will work to refine its inventory, including establishing a process for verifying the service line material for the service lines where our records indicate the material used is "unknown." In addition, in this same timeframe a service line replacement program plan will be developed and submitted to the NJDEP. This plan will provide for the annual replacement of at least 10% of all known lead/galvanized steel service lines in the Borough and include the cost and funding mechanisms for the replacement effort.
To help residents and water system customers stay informed on this important issue, the Borough has put together a Lead & Drinking Water resource page on its website at www.hpboro.com. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Teri Jover, Borough Administrator, at 732-819-3789 or at [email protected].
It is important to note that the treated water the Highland Park Water Department purchases from Middlesex Water Company (MWC) to serve our customers leaves the water treatment plant lead free. MWC uses pH control and adds corrosion control to its treatment process which further acts to minimize the amount of lead dissolving into the water. The Highland Park Water Department regularly samples and tests the water in the system in accordance with state and federal requirements. Test results have not exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) lead or copper action levels, per the Lead and Copper Rule. If a service line contains lead, it does not mean the water cannot be used; the water continues to meet water quality standards.
-- Highland Park Water Department
