Camden Lead Service Line Replacement Program
City of Camden serves about 46,585 people and reported 9,401 lead service lines that must be replaced, out of 16,484 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 2,925 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
Replacement required by city code
Camden's code requires owners of homes served by a lead service line to replace it, either privately or by signing up for the city's replacement program. The city water system serves residents west of the Cooper River; East Camden and Cramer Hill are served by New Jersey American Water. New Jersey law requires all lead lines replaced by 2031.
How to get it
- Find out whether the city or New Jersey American Water serves your address.
- Ask the city about signing up for its replacement program.
- Get written terms on any owner cost before work starts.
Sources: ecode360.com, amwater.com
Lead lines in Camden
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 1 parts per billion (2026-01 to 2026-06). Under the new federal rule, the action level drops to 10 ppb in 2027. Galvanized lines count if they ever sat downstream of a lead pipe, because they can hold lead particles. Unknown lines must be identified by the utility, and many turn out to be lead.
How Camden compares: it ranks #54 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #3 of 240 in New Jersey for lead and galvanized lines. 57.0% of its service lines need replacing, compared with 5.4% across New Jersey. See the national ranking.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory, Q3 2026 · Utility phone: 856-549-8770 · PWSID NJ0408001
Camden lead service line map: check your address
Every water utility had to publish an inventory of its service lines, and most offer an address lookup map. Start with City of Camden's official lead program page, which links to its lookup or explains how to get your line checked. The status will be lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. If it's unknown, you can usually check the pipe yourself and send the utility a photo.
Communities and ZIP codes served
ZIP codes: 08102, 08103, 08104
Who pays in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires water systems to replace all lead service lines, and galvanized lines that need it, within ten years of the 2021 law, so by 2031. Investor-owned utilities recover the cost of the owner side through rates; New Jersey American Water and Veolia replace customer lines at no direct cost and add a small charge to every bill. Many municipal systems, such as Newark, Trenton and Passaic Valley, also replace at no cost to the owner.
The law: P.L.2021, c.183 (N.J.S.A. 58:12A-40 et seq.). Mandatory? Yes. New Jersey law requires every lead and galvanized service line to be replaced by 2031. Funding: NJ Water Bank (NJDEP and NJ Infrastructure Bank) loans and principal forgiveness; utility surcharges approved by the BPU.
Sources: law.justia.com, amwater.com
Nationwide, EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most utilities to replace every lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement line by December 31, 2037, starting November 1, 2027. Utilities must mail a notice every year to each home with a lead, galvanized or unknown line. See the federal timeline.
What would you pay?
Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Not covered, or can't wait?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed plumbers who replace service lines in Camden.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Camden?
Possibly. City of Camden is replacing lead lines, but hasn't published what owners pay. Camden's code requires owners of homes served by a lead service line to replace it, either privately or by signing up for the city's replacement program.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Camden?
Yes, under Camden city code; NJ law requires replacement by 2031.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Camden?
Most private-side replacements cost about $4,000 to $10,000, and long or difficult lines can run higher. Price depends on the distance from the street to your house, whether the contractor digs a trench or pulls the new pipe through (trenchless), permits, and restoring your lawn, sidewalk or basement wall.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on City of Camden's service line inventory or check the letter it mailed you. You can also check the pipe where it enters your basement, usually near the meter: lead is dull gray, soft, and turns shiny silver when you scratch it with a key, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is gray too, but a magnet sticks to it. See our step-by-step guide.
What if I can't afford to replace my lead line?
Ask City of Camden about income-based help first; federal money often makes replacement free for low-income owners. Other options are utility payment plans, 0% city loans, state revolving fund programs, property tax assessments and home improvement loans. Our guide on paying for replacement lists them.
Who owns the water service line?
In most U.S. cities the utility owns the pipe from the water main to the curb stop or property line, and the property owner owns the rest, into the house. Some utilities, including Minneapolis and many in St. Louis County, treat the whole line as the owner's. Federal rules now require utilities to replace the whole lead line, not just their part.
Other New Jersey programs
Trenton ✓Bergen & Hudson County (Veolia) ✓East Orange ✓Elizabeth (NJ American Water) ✓Belleville ✓Monmouth & Ocean County (NJ American Water) ✓Wildwood CityVinelandVentnor CityWoodbridge & Edison area (Middlesex Water) ✓
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.