New Jersey American Water advises Lakewood residents that its door-to-door canvassing process to identify water service pipe materials in the township is now in its final phase.
But it is not too late. Residents and property owners, even in neighborhoods that were already canvassed, still have the opportunity to participate by having their service line material identified.
Since May, New Jersey American Water’s authorized contractor, CDM Smith, has been knocking door-to-door at Lakewood properties with unknown service line materials, as part of its statewide Lead Service Line Replacement Program. New Jersey American Water appreciates the community’s strong cooperation throughout the canvassing process, which has met or exceeded expectations.
Customers who may have missed the canvassing in their neighborhoods, can still help New Jersey American Water identify their service line material by scheduling a free in-person inspection or self-reporting. You can schedule an inspection with New Jersey American Water’s authorized contractor, CDM Smith, by calling 732-590-4700 or visiting calendly.com/njaw. If you prefer not to have someone enter your home, you can self-report by answering a few simple questions and submitting photos of your service line at newjerseyamwater.com/leadsurvey.
These assessments help New Jersey American Water identify service pipe materials and plan for future replacements. If a service pipe is confirmed to be lead or galvanized steel, it will be replaced at no additional cost to the customer – as the cost is already built into customers’ monthly water bills.
Homes and buildings built prior to 1987 are more likely to have lead or lead components, and those customers are especially encouraged to take action. However, New Jersey American Water is working to update its records for all customer properties regardless of the property’s age. Because utilities were not historically required to track the customer-owned portion of service pipes, records may be incomplete.
All outreach and inspections are conducted at no cost to residents by CDM Smith on behalf of New Jersey American Water. The canvassing and inspection processes are not affiliated with any governmental agency. CDM Smith team members will carry official photo identification and wear branded, high-visibility vests. They will never request payment, fees, or personal financial information.
To learn more about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, please visit newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts. Questions not addressed on the utility’s website may be directed to the New Jersey American Water Lead Team via email at [email protected] or by calling CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.
