New Jersey American Water will launch door-to-door outreach in Lakewood Township next week as part of a statewide program to identify and replace lead and galvanized steel water service lines, the utility announced.
CDM Smith, a contractor working with the utility, will conduct the inspections over the coming months, visiting homes in designated neighborhoods to visually assess water service line materials.

The effort is required under a 2021 state law mandating that all New Jersey water providers identify and replace both utility-owned and customer-owned lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031. New Jersey American Water launched its Lead Service Line Replacement Program in 2022 to comply with the mandate.

Inspectors will knock on doors in targeted neighborhoods and ask residents for permission to briefly examine service line materials. Residents who are not home during canvassing can schedule an inspection appointment at calendly.com/njaw, or self-identify their service line material by completing a short survey at newjerseyamwater.com/leadsurvey.

The utility and CDM Smith will also notify residents through mailed letters, postcards, customer alerts, emails, and social media. All inspections are free of charge. CDM Smith staff will carry official photo ID badges and wear logoed, high-visibility vests, and will not request payment or personal financial information of any kind.

If a service line is confirmed to contain lead or galvanized steel, New Jersey American Water will schedule replacement in line with its statewide plan. Residents may continue using their tap water as usual, as the utility says its water meets all state and federal quality standards, including those governing lead levels.

Additional information, an interactive service line inventory map, and self-reporting tools are available at newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts. Residents with questions can email the utility’s Lead Team at [email protected] or call CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.