New Jersey American Water (NJAW) has announced that its authorized contractor, CDM Smith, is continuing door-to-door inspections in Lakewood as part of the utility’s statewide Lead Service Line Replacement Program.

Crews are currently canvassing homes within Census Tract 7155.01, primarily in the Central Avenue and Miller Road area, to identify properties that may have lead or galvanized steel water service lines. Residents in the designated area may see representatives visiting homes over the coming days.

The program is part of a 2021 New Jersey law requiring all water utilities to identify and replace lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031. Service lines include both the section owned by New Jersey American Water and the portion owned by the property owner.

Residents can either submit photos of their water service line to New Jersey American Water for review or schedule a free in-home inspection, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Customers in affected areas have been, and will continue to be, notified directly with instructions available in multiple languages.

Authorized canvassers will wear high-visibility vests displaying the New Jersey American Water and CDM Smith logos and will carry official identification. They will never ask for sensitive personal, financial, or banking information.

Officials emphasized that all inspections and any future replacement work are being conducted exclusively by New Jersey American Water and its authorized contractors—not by Lakewood Township or any other government agency. However, the Township is coordinating with the utility to help keep residents informed.

Residents may continue using their water as normal. New Jersey American Water says its drinking water continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards, including those related to lead.

A map showing the current canvassing area and additional information about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program is available through New Jersey American Water. Residents with questions may also contact the utility’s Lead Team by email at [email protected] or call CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.