Press Releases
CAMDEN, N.J. – Aug. 25, 2026 – New Jersey American Water will begin door-to-door outreach in Little Silver Borough this week as part of its statewide Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The utility's qualified contractors, CDM Smith and Alpha Utility Contractors, will conduct activities in the community to help identify water service line materials and support compliance with New Jersey's lead service line replacement requirements.
This effort supports a 2021 state law requiring all water providers to identify and replace both the utility-owned and customer-owned portions of lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031. New Jersey American Water launched its Lead Service Line Replacement Program in 2022 to meet this mandate, and these service line assessments will help ensure compliance across its footprint.
As part of the assessment process, CDM Smith inspectors will knock on doors in designated neighborhoods to request permission to visually inspect water service line materials and briefly speak with customers. Customers may participate by allowing an inspection during canvassing when they are home, or by proactively scheduling an inspection appointment online by visiting calendly.com/njaw.
At some properties, residents may have recently seen or received notices from Perna Finnegan, Inc., which previously supported service line identification efforts in the area. Moving forward, Alpha Utility Contractors will perform this work in Little Silver on behalf of New Jersey American Water. At selected properties, Alpha Utility Contractors may dig a small hole near the water meter or curb stop to help determine what material the line is made of. In some cases, they may also knock on doors and request permission to inspect the service line inside the home. If excavation is required, temporary restoration will be completed following the work. Permanent restoration will occur after the soil has settled, typically within approximately 90 days.
Customers also have the option to identify their water service line material themselves by completing a short survey at newjerseyamwater.com/leadsurvey. If a service line is confirmed to be lead or galvanized steel, New Jersey American Water will coordinate replacement in accordance with its statewide plan.
New Jersey American Water will conduct direct customer outreach through mailed letters and postcards, customer alerts and emails, and digital and social media messaging to notify residents about upcoming service line identification and inspection opportunities. These communications explain the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, outline inspection and self‑reporting options, and emphasize that all inspections are free and performed by authorized staff.
To protect customer safety and prevent fraud, New Jersey American Water reminds residents that all assessments are conducted at no cost. CDM Smith and Alpha Utility Contractors staff will carry official company photo ID badges and wear logoed, high-visibility vests. Residents should always ask to see identification before granting access to their property or home. Contractors will never request payment, fees, or personal financial information.
Residents may continue to use their water as usual. Water provided by New Jersey American Water continues to meet all state and federal water quality standards, including those for lead. Additional program resources, an interactive service line inventory map, and tools to self-identify service line materials are available at newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts.
Questions not addressed on the utility’s website may be directed to the New Jersey American Water Lead Team via email at leadfreenj@amwater.com or by calling CDM Smith at 732-590-4700.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Damarah Brown
Sr. External Affairs Specialist
New Jersey American Water
damarah.brown@amwater.com