Beginning January 20, 2026, New Jersey American Water (NJAW) will begin work throughout South Orange as part of NJAW’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program. This is a New Jersey American Water initiative as mandated by the State.
NJAW will be verifying the material of every water service line, including properties that were previously inspected or identified. As part of this program, NJAW is reconfirming all service line records to meet DEP requirements, and will replace any service lines found to be made of lead or galvanized steel. In addition, New Jersey American Water will be installing outdoor meter pits at each property to support future meter relocation.
What Residents Can Expect
NJAW or its authorized contractors will likely need access to properties to inspect service lines and install outdoor meter pits.
Residents who were previously told the material of their service line should expect that information to be reconfirmed as part of this program.
Temporary construction activity, noise, or minor disruptions may occur during work hours.
NJAW will be responsible for scheduling, notifications, and restoration related to this work.
Project Schedule*
New Jersey American Water has indicated that work is expected to begin on the following streets:
Wesley Court
Church Street
S. Ridgewood Road
Third Street
First Street
Second Street
Fourth Street
*Schedule and locations are subject to change at the discretion of New Jersey American Water.
What Residents Can Expect
- Customers will receive a letter and information packet directly from NJAW with details on what to expect as work approaches their properties.
- Temporary road closures, detours and traffic disruptions should be expected during construction
Stay Informed
- Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for road closure alerts and detour alerts: Alerts and Notifications Registration
- Residents with project-specific questions may contact the NJAW Lead Team @ leadfreenj@amwater.com
- Residents with project-specific questions, please contact: Michael Oliviera, Montana Construction, at 201-232-7624 or via email at moliveira@montanaconstructioninc.com
- General information about the Lead Service Line Replacement Program is available at www.newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts
- More background and information on lead line replacement can be found here
NJAW Communications