NJ Is Making Towns Replace Lead Pipes; Montclair Begins Process

Patch
Eric Kiefer

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MONTCLAIR, NJ — When Gov. Phil Murphy signed a landmark package of bills into law last summer, it started a countdown clock for towns across New Jersey, including Montclair. And within 10 years, every public water system in the state will have to replace their lead, galvanized and brass service lines.

It won't be easy. But in Montclair, the process has officially begun, town officials announced Tuesday.

Three years ago, Newark – a city located just a short drive from Montclair – made national headlines when it confronted a lead water crisis. Since then, Newark has replaced almost 20,000 lead service pipes, a massive effort that is projected to cost at least $120 million by the time it's through.