Elizabeth (NJ American Water) Lead Service Line Replacement Program
NJ American Water - Raritan serves about 615,430 people and reported 429 lead and 5,590 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 222,321 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 76,716 lines of unknown material. Here's who pays to replace yours, what it costs, and how to sign up.
No direct cost (LSLR charge on all bills)
New Jersey American Water replaces customer-owned lead and galvanized service lines at no direct cost at the time of replacement and recovers the cost through a small Lead Service Line Replacement Charge on every customer's bill, as approved by the BPU. New Jersey law requires all lead lines to be replaced by 2031.
How to get it
- Check your address at njamwater.com/leadfacts.
- Allow the canvassing crew to verify your line.
- Sign the access agreement when your street is scheduled.
Sources: amwater.com, newsroom.amwater.com
Lead lines in Elizabeth (NJ American Water)
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 1 parts per billion (2026-01 to 2026-12). 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 Elizabeth (NJ American Water) compares: it ranks #84 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #7 of 240 in New Jersey for lead and galvanized lines. 2.7% 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: 609-605-2271 · PWSID NJ2004002
Elizabeth (NJ American Water) 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 NJ American Water - Raritan'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
NJ American Water - Raritan serves Elizabeth, Monroe. If you live in any of these, this program applies to you.
ZIP codes: 07016, 07023, 07027, 07033, 07036, 07059, 07060, 07062, 07063, 07066, 07069, 07076, 07080, 07083, 07088, 07090, 07092, 07203, 07204, 07205, 08502, 08528, 08536, 08540, 08542, 08544, 08550, 08558, 08805, 08807, 08812, 08822, 08835, 08836, 08844, 08846, 08854, 08869, 08876, 08880
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 Elizabeth (NJ American Water).
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Elizabeth (NJ American Water)?
Free when scheduled. New Jersey American Water replaces customer-owned lead and galvanized service lines at no direct cost at the time of replacement and recovers the cost through a small Lead Service Line Replacement Charge on every customer's bill, as approved by the BPU.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Elizabeth (NJ American Water)?
NJ law requires all lead and galvanized lines replaced by 2031.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Elizabeth (NJ American Water)?
If you qualify for Elizabeth (NJ American Water)'s program, the private side costs you nothing. 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. That's what you'd pay if you replace it on your own or don't qualify.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Look up your address on NJ American Water - Raritan'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 NJ American Water - Raritan 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) ✓Camden ✓East Orange ✓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.