Newark, NJ
Lead service lines in Newark after the replacement program
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Newark ran one of the fastest lead service line replacement programs in the country, replacing its roughly 18,720 lead lines at no cost to residents with a $75 million city bond and a $120 million Essex County bond. If your Newark home's line was replaced, the remaining lead risks are inside the house: old solder, brass fixtures and galvanized pipe.
What's different in Newark
By January 27, 2021, Newark's program had passed 17,000 replacements on the way to replacing all of the city's 18,720-plus lead service lines. [1]
Replacements began with a $75 million city bond, and a $120 million Essex County bond in fall 2019 let the city accelerate the work and removed the cost for residents. [1]
For water and sewer questions, Newark Water and Sewer customer service is 973-733-6370 on weekdays, with 24/7 emergency lines at 973-733-3654, -3655 and -3656. [2]
What's left to check
- Confirm your line was replaced: the pipe entering the basement should be copper, not dull gray lead.
- Look for galvanized steel pipe inside the house; it can hold lead released before replacement.
- Older brass faucets and lead solder on copper joints can still add lead; run cold water before drinking.
- If you renovated plumbing recently, test the water; see the lead service line guide.
New Jersey's law still applies
New Jersey requires every water system to replace remaining lead and galvanized service lines by 2031 and bans partial replacements. See New Jersey lead service lines for the statewide rules.
When a plumber helps
Repiping galvanized lines, replacing old shutoff valves at the meter, and swapping old faucets are private jobs; see repiping.
What Newark homeowners usually check next
- SymptomSigns of a hidden leak
- SymptomWater bill suddenly high
- SymptomNo water in the house
Common questions
Has Newark replaced all its lead service lines?
The city's program targeted all 18,720-plus lead lines and had passed 17,000 by January 2021.
Did Newark homeowners pay for lead line replacement?
No; city and Essex County bonds removed the cost for residents.
How was Newark's lead program funded?
A $75 million city bond to start and a $120 million Essex County bond in fall 2019.
Can my Newark water still contain lead after replacement?
Interior sources such as solder, brass fixtures and galvanized pipe can still contribute; testing tells you.
What's Newark Water and Sewer's emergency number?
973-733-3654, -3655 or -3656, 24 hours a day.
How do I confirm my Newark line was replaced?
Check the pipe entering the basement at the meter; it should be copper rather than gray lead.
Does New Jersey's 2031 lead law affect Newark?
Yes, it applies to every water system, including any remaining lines.
Should a Newark house with galvanized pipe be repiped?
Often, since galvanized pipe can hold lead and narrow with rust.
Who handles Newark water billing questions?
Newark Water and Sewer customer service, 973-733-6370 on weekdays.
Why was Newark's program considered fast?
It replaced most lines within a few years after the county bond accelerated the work.
More plumbing help in Newark
- Sewer Line Repair in NewarkNewark sewer laterals belong to the homeowner from the house to the main. Who to call for a backup, what a plumber checks, and repairs in dense rowhouse blocks.
- Water Line Repair in New JerseyNew Jersey's lead service line law: every lead and galvanized line replaced by July 2031 at a 10% yearly average, no partial replacements, and what owners should do.
- Water Line Repair: the full guideSigns the water service line from the meter to your house is leaking, who owns it, repair vs. replacement, lead lines, and trenchless options.
- Plumbing in NewarkLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Newark homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- Lead service line replacement in ChicagoHow lead water service line replacement works in Chicago: free and fee-waived city programs, who qualifies, what state law requires, and what the job involves.
- Lead service line replacement in DetroitHow Detroit and Michigan law handle lead water service line replacement: who pays, full-line requirements, timelines, and what homeowners should do meanwhile.
- Lead service line replacement in DenverHow Denver Water replaces customer-owned lead service lines with copper at no direct cost, which homes are most likely affected, and what to do while you wait.
- Lead service line replacement in MilwaukeeHow Milwaukee's lead service line rules work: when full replacement is required, what homeowners pay, how to look up your address, and what to do while you wait.
- Lead service line replacement in CincinnatiHow Greater Cincinnati Water Works replaces private lead service lines: who pays, who gets priority, how long the program runs, and how to get started.
- Lead service line replacement in PittsburghPittsburgh Water lead line programs: neighborhood replacements, free income-qualified replacement, plumber reimbursement, and how to apply.
- Lead service line replacement in BostonHow Boston Water and Sewer Commission's free lead service replacement works: free inspection, free replacement, how to check your address, and what to expect.
- Lead service line replacement in ClevelandWhen Cleveland Water replaces your side of a lead line for free, how galvanized pipe is handled, yearly targets, and what to do next.
- Lead service line replacement in St. LouisSt. Louis lead service lines: the city's inventory, why rates can't pay for the private side, grant and loan help, and what owners can do now.
- Lead service line replacement in PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia lead service lines: owner responsibility, free replacement during main work, the free ZIP-code pilot, and 0% HELP loans.
- Water and sewer service line repair in New York CityNYC owners own their water and sewer service lines: DEP 3-day and 30-day notices, the licensed master plumber rule, permits and the $1,000 shutoff fee.
- Water and sewer line repair in New OrleansWho pays for water and sewer service connections in New Orleans: Sewerage and Water Board rules, owner responsibility on post-1954 lots, and Board-caused damage.
- Water service line repair in Kansas CityKC Water service line rules: the City maintains mains to the curb box, owners repair from the curb stop to the house under Ordinance 78-22, and warranty options.
- Lead water service line replacement in Washington, DCLead service lines in Washington, DC: who pays for each side, Block-by-Block replacement of the private side at no cost, and what to do before your block comes up.
- Lead service line replacement in ProvidenceLead service lines in Providence: Providence Water's free private-side replacement for eligible customers, 10-year 0% loans, and the free public-side match.
- Lead service line replacement in Des MoinesLead service lines in Des Moines: Des Moines Water Works' free replacement funded by a $52.6M state loan, the Drake first phase, and how to check your line.
- Water line leaks in Phoenix: the meter decides who paysWater line leaks in Phoenix: the city repairs the street side of the meter, the owner the rest, and city code makes customers pay for water lost past the meter.
- Water and sewer service lines in CharlotteCharlotte water and sewer service lines: Charlotte Water handles mains to the curb, owners handle the laterals from curb to home, and what that means for leaks.
- Water line leaks in AustinWater line leaks in Austin: Austin Water owns the line to the meter box near the sidewalk, owners own everything past it.
- Water service line leaks in BuffaloBuffalo water service lines: the line from the city main to the house is private, the owner keeps up the curb box and valve, and what Buffalo Water will do for free.
- Lead service line replacement in Jersey CityJersey City's Lead Free JC: about 16,000 lead lines to replace by June 2031 at no direct cost, JCMUA contractors or your own with a credit, and the inventory lookup.
- Water service line repair in SeattleSeattle water lines: owners install and maintain the private line from the city union to the house, and how SPU's leak adjustments treat city-side and.
- Water service lines in Fort WorthFort Worth service lines: the city owns the line to and including the meter, owners own the rest, the lead inventory shows no lead lines.
- Houston water service lines: the inventory and 'unknown material' lettersHouston's service line inventory: no lead lines found so far, most lines still listed as unknown, the notices sent to customers, and how to check yours.
- Dallas water service lines and the service line inventoryDallas Water Utilities' service line inventory: how materials were identified, letters to 225,000 unknown lines, and the GIS lookup.
- Water service lines in Los Angeles: no lead foundLADWP's service line inventory found no lead or galvanized-requiring-replacement lines, including customer-owned ones. What that means for LA water line repairs.
- Water service lines in San Antonio: SAWS inventory and free inspectionsSAWS's service line inventory: over half of 600,000 lines unidentified, yearly letters to unknown, lead or galvanized lines, and free inspections for pre-1989 homes.
Sources (2)
- City of Newark, Lead Service Line Replacement Program update (Jan. 27, 2021) · checked 2026-10-03
- Newark Water and Sewer, FAQ · checked 2026-10-03