Crews working on behalf of New Jersey American Water are currently canvassing homes in parts of Lakewood as part of the utility’s ongoing lead service line replacement program.

According to New Jersey American Water’s qualified contractor, CDM Smith, crews are visiting homes in the Park Avenue and Ridge Avenue/Brook Road neighborhoods. The canvassing is being conducted to identify properties that may require lead service line replacement.

The effort is part of New Jersey American Water’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, which follows a 2021 state law requiring all water providers in New Jersey to identify and replace lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031.

A service line is the pipe that carries water from the water main in the street into a home or building. It includes both the portion owned by New Jersey American Water and the portion owned by the property owner.

Residents and property owners can self-identify and report their water service pipe materials to New Jersey American Water by submitting photos, or they may schedule an in-person inspection at a convenient time. New Jersey American Water has sent, and will continue to send, informational materials in multiple languages directly to potentially affected customers explaining how to proceed.

Authorized canvassers may also proactively visit designated properties to assist customers with the process. Officials emphasized that inspections are free and typically take about 15 minutes.

Canvassers will not ask residents for sensitive personal or financial information or documentation. They will wear clearly marked, high-visibility vests displaying New Jersey American Water and CDM Smith logos and will carry official identification.

All canvassing, inspections, and any replacement work are being performed solely by New Jersey American Water or its authorized contractors, not by Lakewood Township or any other government agency. However, the effort has been coordinated with Lakewood Township to support public awareness and safety.

In the meantime, Lakewood residents may continue using their water as usual. New Jersey American Water says the water it provides continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards, including standards for lead.

Additional program resources, an interactive service line inventory map, and tools to self-identify service line materials are available at newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts.

Questions not addressed on the utility’s website may be directed to the New Jersey American Water Lead Team by email at [email protected] or by calling CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.