Thousands of North Jersey homes on tap for lead pipe replacement program: What to know

PATERSON — In an effort to prevent lead poisoning, about 6,500 homes in Paterson, Passaic, Clifton and Prospect Park will be getting new water service pipes, officials announced on Thursday.

Under a $36 million program, the Passaic Valley Water Commission in September will begin replacing lead pipes that connect houses with water mains — at no cost to homeowners.

Jim Mueller, the commission’s executive director, said his organization previously identified 6,500 homes with lead-contaminated pipes in those communities, with about half of them in Paterson. During the summer, the commission’s contractor will start inspecting the water service lines in another 11,000 homes to check for lead pipes, he added.

The commission also has checked thousands of other homes and found no lead in the water pipes, officials said.

“As we all know, lead is bad,” said Mueller during a press conference at Paterson City Hall. “Any exposure to lead is not considered safe.”

Money for the replacement initiative will come from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust, Mueller said.

Homeowners with contaminated water lines must approve replacements before crews can remove old pipes and install new ones, officials said. In assessing the status of the service lines at the other 11,000 homes, the commission will be sending inspectors door to door to conduct inspections.

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Paterson Councilwoman Ruby Cotton, who is also a member of the water commission, noted during the press conference that the canvassing may be difficult.

“Sometimes people are very reluctant to open their doors,” she said.

Mueller said the work crews and inspectors would be wearing ID badges as well as hats and vests identifying them as part of the pipe replacement program.

Mayor Andre Sayegh repeatedly emphasized during the press conference that homeowners would not have to pay for the pipe replacements. Mueller said the standard price range on the private market for service line replacements had been $4,000 to $5,000. But recent inflation has pushed that price as high as $10,000, he said.

Mueller said homeowners with questions could call the water commission at 973-340-4300 or go to the website at www.pvwc.com.

Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ lead pipe replacement program to begin in North Jersey