MAYOR RAS A. BARAKA AND NJDEP COMMISSIONER SHAWN M. LATOURETTE

STATEMENT ON LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT INVESTIGATION

The City of Newark and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are pleased by the latest developments in an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office that resulted in the arrests of two individuals who are charged with fraud by failing to fully replace lead service lines at sites that required remediation between 2019 and 2021.

In January 2024, Newark and the NJDEP were advised of concerns that, in some cases, third parties hired to replace lead service lines in Newark may not have complied with all requirements for full line replacement (example: from the water meter inside a home to the water main in the street). In response, Newark and the NJDEP initiated an audit to identify affected properties and commence inspections to verify compliance with lead service line replacement requirements to ensure the continued safety of all residents.

The audit, which began in January 2024, included both a targeted and a randomized data assessment resulting in over 700 excavations.

The targeted audit included 403 service line excavations. Of these, 33 properties were found to contain some remaining lead components, which were replaced. Consistent with Newark’s post-replacement protocol, residents were provided point-of-use filters for lead and flushing guidance by the city. The NJDEP is evaluating the randomized audit data set.

Importantly, the NJDEP has confirmed that Newark’s corrosion control treatment has been optimized to protect residents whose water may come into contact with plumbing that may still contain lead components. Newark has also demonstrated compliance with federal requirements. At this time, there is no need for Newark residents to take any additional precautions with respect to their drinking water.

Both the City of Newark and NJDEP’s leadership acted on these allegations as soon as we learned of them. We are proud that these investigations have led to arrests of individuals in connection with this matter, and justice will be done. We are also grateful to Newark residents who cooperated with the investigation, by allowing these excavations on their property.

Despite the indictment of these parties, the city and NJDEP remain confident in the success of the lead service line replacement program, which has led to 23,190 replacements, and stands as a national model for reducing the risks of lead exposure.