Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) · New Jersey
Lead Service Line Replacement in New Jersey: every lead service line has to come out by 2031.
New Jersey law requires water systems to replace every lead and galvanized water service line in the state. Here is what the law says, what it means for homeowners, towns and general contractors, and how JR Ramco, a union shop with hands-on lead service line replacement experience, gets the work done in North Jersey. Public bids and contracts typically list this work as LSLR.
The 2031 deadline, explained
In July 2021, New Jersey enacted the Lead Service Line Replacement Law, P.L.2021, c.183. It requires every community water system to inventory its service lines, notify affected customers and replace all lead service lines within 10 years, which puts the deadline in 2031. Under the law, a galvanized service line counts as a lead service line, and so does a lead gooseneck or pigtail, no matter what the rest of the line is made of (NJDEP).
New Jersey lead service lines by the numbers
Statewide totals that water systems reported to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, as of December 2025.
Progress is real: known lead and galvanized lines fell from 163,382 in 2022 to 115,121 in 2025, and unknown lines fell from 1,145,986 to 688,378 (NJDEP). That still leaves a lot of pipe to dig up before 2031.
Built on Newark's National Model
NJDEP calls Newark's lead service line program 'unprecedented': with work split across 20 contracts, more than 23,000 lead service lines were replaced in about three years, on a job first planned for up to a decade. Our founder worked the entire project in the field as an operating engineer for a prime contractor, helping work out and refine the methods that made that pace possible. Today JR Ramco brings that experience to towns, utilities and GCs across North Jersey.
Sources: NJDEP, Newark LSL Replacement Compliance Audit; City of Newark; Newark LSLR Program release, Feb. 2022
Who this affects
For Homeowners
- Look up your address in your water system's service line inventory. Systems serving more than 3,300 customers must post it online (NJDEP).
- If you have a lead or galvanized line, your water system has to notify you in writing.
- Your utility must replace the line by 2031. If you want to do it sooner, coordinate with your water system first (NJDEP).
For Towns & Water Utilities
- Full replacement, main to building inlet, at a pace that meets the 2031 deadline.
- State Revolving Fund financing is available for both sides of the line, with principal forgiveness earmarked for the customer side (NJDEP).
- A union contractor, NJ certified SBE and Registered Public Works Contractor, ready for prevailing-wage public bids.
For General Contractors
- A dependable lead service line replacement subcontractor for municipal and utility LSLR packages.
- New Jersey State Certified SBE to help meet small business participation goals.
- Union shop with our own excavation equipment and tri-axle trucking for spoils, stone and restoration.
What lead service line replacement (LSLR) involves
Every street is different, but a full water service line replacement usually follows these steps.
Mark-out and permits
Call 811 for utility mark-outs, coordinate with the water system and secure road opening and municipal permits.
Excavation at the main and curb stop
Safe excavation at the water main connection and at the curb stop or curb box, with traffic control where needed.
Pull or trench the new line
Depending on soil, depth and site conditions, the new copper or approved line is installed by open trench or a trenchless pull that cuts down on digging across lawns and driveways.
Connection at the building inlet
The new line is tied in where it enters the building so no lead or galvanized pipe is left on either side.
Backfill and compaction
Clean backfill, compacted in lifts, with stone and spoils hauled by our own tri-axle trucks.
Restoration
Curb, sidewalk, pavement and lawn restored so the street and the property are left clean.
Lead service line FAQ
What is a lead service line?
It is the pipe that carries water from the main in the street into a building, when that pipe is made of or lined with lead. In New Jersey, lead goosenecks and pigtails and galvanized service lines also count as lead service lines (NJDEP).
When do lead service lines in New Jersey have to be replaced?
P.L.2021, c.183 requires community water systems to replace all lead service lines within 10 years of the law taking effect in July 2021, which means by 2031 (NJ Legislature).
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Start with your water system's online service line inventory or call them. You can also find where the pipe enters your home, usually near the meter, and gently scratch it with a coin or key: lead is dull, soft and non-magnetic, it turns shiny silver when scratched, and a magnet will not stick to it (EPA).
Is there a safe level of lead exposure?
No safe blood lead level in children has been identified, and even low levels have been shown to affect learning, attention and academic achievement (CDC). Where lead service lines are present, EPA says they are the greatest source of lead exposure in drinking water (EPA).
Who pays for lead service line replacement in NJ?
Your water system must make sure the full line is replaced. For investor-owned water systems, the cost (minus grants or subsidies) is spread across all customers through rates set by the NJ Board of Public Utilities. Government-owned systems can spread the cost across all customers or assess it to the property owner (NJDEP). Ask your water system how it handles your side of the line.
Is there funding to replace lead service lines?
Yes, for water systems. Both public and private sides of the line are eligible for State Revolving Fund financing, and principal forgiveness is earmarked for the customer side (NJDEP). NJDEP does not currently offer funding directly to homeowners (NJDEP).
Do I have to disclose a lead service line when I sell my house?
New Jersey's seller property condition disclosure statement must ask about lead plumbing, including the service line (P.L.2021, c.264).
What do landlords have to tell tenants?
Landlords must pass water system lead notices on to tenants (P.L.2021, c.82). Owners of multi-unit buildings served by a lead line must give each resident a copy of the notice, post it in a common area and tell new residents before they move in (P.L.2021, c.183). A 2025 law adds a Lead In Drinking Water Disclosure before a lease or renewal (P.L.2025, c.144).
What does LSLR mean on a public bid?
LSLR stands for Lead Service Line Replacement. Water systems and towns typically list lead service line replacement contracts and bid packages as LSLR.
What does the federal rule require?
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, finalized in October 2024, require water systems nationwide to fully replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines under their control within 10 years of the November 1, 2027 compliance date (Federal Register). New Jersey's 2031 deadline comes first.
Can I replace my side of the line before my water system does?
Yes, but coordinate with your water system first so both sides are replaced and no lead is left behind (NJDEP).
Why JR Ramco for lead service line replacement
Hands-On Experience
Hands-on lead service line replacement experience from the main to the building inlet, and a commitment to getting every service done right, on schedule and fully restored.
Union Shop
A highly trained, skilled and competent union workforce on every job, delivering professional, safe and compliant work on public and prevailing-wage contracts.
New Jersey State Certified SBE
SBE #A0694-05, helping owners and GCs meet small business participation goals.
Registered Public Works Contractor
Registered with the NJ Department of Labor, PWCR #753227.
Registered Apprenticeship
Co-sponsor of a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program (Reg. #NJ002630001), training the next generation of skilled union tradespeople.
Our Own Equipment & Trucks
Excavation equipment and tri-axle trucking (USDOT 6415867) out of Little Falls, NJ, serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Sussex and Hudson counties.
Have lead service lines to replace?
Water utilities, towns, GCs and property owners: call JR Ramco at 973-317-4157 or send us your bid package and we will get back to you fast.
Email: [email protected]
Sources
- P.L.2021, c.183, NJ Lead Service Line Replacement Law
- NJDEP, Where are Lead Service Lines in NJ? (December 2025 figures)
- NJDEP, Lead Service Line Replacement SRF Requirements
- NJDEP, FAQ on Lead Service Line Replacement Requirements
- NJDEP, Lead Service Line public FAQ
- EPA, Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, Federal Register, Oct. 30, 2024
- EPA, Final LCRI FAQ
- EPA, Researchers Share Approaches to Identify Lead Service Lines
- EPA, Protect Your Tap
- Newark Completes Lead Service Line Replacement Program (Feb. 14, 2022)
- CDC, Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning
- NJDEP, Newark Lead Service Line Replacement Compliance Audit summary
- City of Newark, How Newark is Leaps Ahead of the EPA's New Lead and Copper Rule
- P.L.2021, c.264, P.L.2021, c.82, P.L.2025, c.144