Kearny Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Is lead pipe replacement free in Kearny?
We haven't confirmed a free program in Kearny yet. New Jersey rules require the utility to pay for full replacement, so ask the utility when your line is scheduled. Kearny Water Department reported 601 lead and galvanized service lines to EPA (Q3 2026), which federal rules generally require it to replace by December 31, 2037.
Kearny Water Department serves about 41,664 people and reported 570 lead and 31 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 7,941 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 6,614 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
No local program confirmed yet
We haven't confirmed the terms of a homeowner replacement program for Kearny Water Department. In New Jersey, state rules put the cost of full replacement on the utility, so you shouldn't be billed for the private side.
Five questions to ask Kearny Water Department (201-852-0324)
- Is my service line listed as lead, galvanized or unknown, and on which side?
- When is my street scheduled for replacement?
- Do you pay for the private side, or offer a cost share, loan or low-income grant?
- If I hire my own plumber now, will you reimburse me or replace the public side at the same time?
- Do you provide a free filter or lead test while I wait?
Know the program terms? Tell us and we'll add them after checking the source.
Lead lines in Kearny
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 3.3 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 Kearny compares: it ranks #572 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #27 of 240 in New Jersey for lead and galvanized lines. 7.6% 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: 201-852-0324 · PWSID NJ0907001
Kearny 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. Search for "Kearny Water Department service line inventory" or call the utility at 201-852-0324 and ask for your address's status. 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.
The map will label your address lead, galvanized requiring replacement, non-lead or unknown. Unknown does not mean safe. What each status means and how to correct it.
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.
Until your line is replaced
Showering and bathing are generally safe, but boiling does not remove lead. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for drinking, cooking and baby formula, use cold water only, and flush the tap after water sits. More on living with a lead line. If a crew offers to replace only one side, read why partial replacement is risky.
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 Kearny.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Kearny?
We haven't confirmed a free program in Kearny yet. New Jersey rules require the utility to pay for full replacement, so ask the utility when your line is scheduled.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Kearny?
Yes. New Jersey law requires every lead and galvanized service line to be replaced by 2031.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Kearny?
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. We haven't confirmed a local cost-share program for Kearny, so ask the utility before you hire anyone; many programs only pay if the utility's own contractor does the work.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on Kearny Water Department'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 Kearny Water Department 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 water utilities in Hudson County and across New Jersey
Bayonne ✓Jersey City ✓HarrisonSoutheast Morris County MuaMountain LakesOcean GateCollingswoodOcean City (NJ American Water) ✓Liberty system (Elizabeth area) (NJ American Water) ✓Mount Holly (NJ American Water) ✓Point P. BeachTrenton ✓Bergen & Hudson County (Veolia) ✓Camden ✓
All water systems in Hudson County → · See every New Jersey utility → · New Jersey replacement costs
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.