Lead Pipes

Like many older cities and towns, New Jersey has a history of using lead pipes for the distribution of drinking water. Lead pipes were commonly used in the past because they were inexpensive and easy to work with. However, as the risks associated with lead exposure became more widely recognized, the use of lead pipes for drinking water distribution was phased out. The Safe Drinking Water Act, passed in 1974, sets limits on the amount of lead that can be present in drinking water, and in 1986, the use of lead pipes for drinking water distribution was banned.

Lead pipes are dangerous because lead is a toxic heavy metal that can leach into the water supply. Drinking water contaminated by lead can cause serious health problems, especially in young children and pregnant women. Lead can cause developmental delays and neurological problems in children, and it can also cause high blood pressure, kidney problems, and anemia in adults. 

In addition to the health risks, lead pipes can also cause a variety of other problems, including reduced water pressure and reduced water quality. If you live in an old home and are concerned about the possibility of lead pipes, it is important to have your water tested by a professional and to take steps to address any lead contamination if it is found. Additional information about our lead in water services can be found here

Contact us today if you’re concerned about lead pipes

While the use of lead pipes has been banned for many years, some older homes and buildings in New Jersey still have lead pipes. If you are concerned about the presence of lead pipes in your home or business, you can have the water tested by the experts at LEW Environmental Services. To learn more about our water testing services please click here.