NJ’s Standards for Lead in Drinking Water

Most water systems in New Jersey are subject to the Federal Lead and Copper Rule which contains extensive monitoring and treatment regulations that require water systems to provide water which is less corrosive to lead plumbing.

Under the Federal Lead and Copper Rule, public community and non-transient, non-community water systems are required to take samples at drinking water taps, such as kitchen and bathroom taps, throughout their distribution systems in specific areas deemed most vulnerable to lead based on their current record of piping and plumbing materials. These sample sites must be prioritized by use (e.g., residence) and are most likely to have higher probability of lead leaching into the drinking water (e.g., single family residences with lead service lines). If in a monitoring period, the 90th percentile of lead samples collected is greater than 15 parts per billion (ppb), then the water system would incur what is called an “Action Level Exceedance” (ALE). While this is not strictly a violation, it does provide an indicator that the water provided by the public water system may be corrosive, and thus, triggers a number of follow-up steps. These steps may include an increased frequency of monitoring, public education, replacement of lead service lines, and/or evaluating and implementing corrosion control treatment among others. The water system returns to compliance following the completion of the required steps and when the 90th percentile for lead is below 15 ppb for two consecutive monitoring periods. Copper in drinking water is also regulated using an ALE as a marker for treatment issues; however, some of the steps that must be taken by water systems do vary from those required for lead.

Water System Sampling Results

Many water systems test for lead as a regular part of water monitoring. These tests give a system-wide picture and do not reflect conditions at a specific drinking water outlet such as a faucet or sink. If you are uncertain who your water supplier is, you can look it up on NJ Drinking Water Watch.

• All NJ public water system sampling results may be found at NJ Drinking Water Watch.
• You may also request a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water supplier.

New Lead-Related Drinking Water Laws and Regulations

• In July 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law P.L.2021, Ch.183, which requires community water systems in NJ to identify all lead service lines, provide public notification regarding the presence of all lead service lines, and replace all lead service lines by 2031. Lead service line inventories must be posted on the websites of water systems by January 2022. The law includes a requirement for community water systems to notify residents who have lead service lines.
• In December 2021, USEPA finalized the LCRR, nationwide revisions to the Federal Lead and Copper Rule, which strengthens monitoring requirements and standards for water systems.
• NJDEP is in the process of developing New Jersey specific requirements for the control of lead and copper, which would incorporate the updates from EPA, while also providing an increased focus on lead and copper monitoring and sampling, corrosion control, water quality parameter monitoring and treatment, source water monitoring and treatment, and public education. A rule proposal is expected to be published in 2024.
• EPA’s new Lead and Copper Rule better protects children and communities from the risks of lead exposure by better protecting children at schools and child care facilities, getting the lead out of our nation’s drinking water, and empowering communities through information. Improvements under the new rule include:
• Using science-based testing protocols to find more sources of lead in drinking water.
• Establishing a trigger level to jumpstart mitigation earlier and in more communities.
• Driving more and complete lead service line replacements.
• For the first time, requiring testing in schools and child care facilities.
• Requiring water systems to identify and make public the locations of lead service lines.
  For more information, visit EPA’s website on the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.