JACKSON, N.J. — The Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority is notifying certain customers that the material used in their water service lines is unknown and could potentially include lead, as required under updated federal drinking water regulations.
Letters titled “Notice of Unknown Service Line Composition” are being mailed to affected property owners after the authority’s latest inventory found that some service lines have not yet been identified.
The notices are part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s revised Lead and Copper Rule, which requires public water systems to identify and document the material used in every customer service line.
Customers asked to complete survey or schedule inspection
According to the notice, the authority’s records indicate the affected property’s service line has an “unknown composition and may be lead.”
The Jackson MUA previously mailed surveys asking homeowners to identify the material of the privately owned portion of their service line. Residents who have not yet responded are encouraged to complete the survey online or contact the authority to schedule an inspection.
“A survey may be completed online at www.jacksontmua.com… or by calling 732-928-2222 x226 to submit information or to set up an appointment to have the Authority identify the line material,” the notice states.
The authority explained that a service line is the pipe connecting the water main to a home’s plumbing. While the MUA owns the portion extending from the water main to the curb stop, homeowners own the section running from the curb stop to the building.
Unknown pipes are not confirmation of lead
Receiving the notice does not necessarily mean a property has a lead service line.
Instead, it means the authority has not yet verified the material used in the privately owned section of the connection. Possible materials include copper, plastic, PVC, ductile iron, galvanized steel, or lead.
The authority also noted it has established a lead service line replacement program and asks homeowners planning to replace a lead line to contact the MUA before beginning work so replacement efforts can be coordinated.
Health risks highlighted in EPA-required notice
The notification includes information about the health effects of lead exposure.
According to the notice, exposure to lead in drinking water can affect people of all ages but poses the greatest risk to infants, young children, and pregnant women. The notice also states lead exposure may contribute to developmental and learning problems in children and increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and nervous system problems in adults.
Why it matters
Utilities across New Jersey and the nation are conducting mandatory service line inventories under revised EPA regulations designed to identify and eventually replace lead service lines. Many homeowners are receiving similar notices simply because utilities have not yet confirmed the material used on privately owned portions of water connections.
Key Points
- Jackson MUA is notifying some customers that their service line material is unknown and could potentially include lead.
- The notices are required under the EPA’s revised Lead and Copper Rule.
- Receiving a notice does not mean a property has a lead pipe; it means the line’s material has not yet been verified.
FAQ
Why did I receive this notice?
The Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority has not confirmed the material used in your property’s water service line.
Does this mean I have lead pipes?
No. The notice states the service line composition is unknown and may be lead, but the material has not yet been identified.
What should homeowners do?
Complete the service line survey online or contact the MUA to schedule an inspection if requested.
Is Jackson replacing lead service lines?
Yes. The authority says it has established a lead service line replacement program and asks homeowners to contact the MUA before replacing a lead service line.
Where can residents get more information?
Information is available through the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority at www.jacksontmua.com or by calling 732-928-2222, extension 226.
Source: Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority notice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lead and Copper Rule
