Ridgewood Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Ridgewood Water serves about 61,700 people and reported 252 lead and 1,190 galvanized service lines that must be replaced, out of 20,376 lines, in EPA's Q3 2026 inventory, plus 428 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 Ridgewood Water. 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 Ridgewood Water (201-670-5521)
- 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 Ridgewood
The most recent 90th-percentile lead result EPA lists for this system is 2.6 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 Ridgewood compares: it ranks #302 of 7,556 U.S. water systems and #18 of 240 in New Jersey for lead and galvanized lines. 7.1% 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: 201-670-5521 · PWSID NJ0251001
Ridgewood 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 "Ridgewood Water service line inventory" or call the utility at 201-670-5521 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.
Communities and ZIP codes served
ZIP codes: 07432, 07450, 07452, 07481
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 Ridgewood.
Common questions
Is lead service line replacement free in Ridgewood?
We haven't confirmed a free program in Ridgewood 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 Ridgewood?
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 Ridgewood?
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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood Water'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 Ridgewood Water 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 ✓Elizabeth (NJ American Water) ✓Belleville ✓Wildwood CityVinelandVentnor CityMonmouth & Ocean County (NJ American Water) ✓
Something out of date? Report a change. We recheck program terms at least once a year.