Lead Testing

A North NJ Guide to Lead in Drinking Water for Households With Children

A North NJ Guide to Lead in Drinking Water for Households With Children

If you live in North New Jersey, you likely enjoy the architectural character of our region’s historic homes. However, that history often includes aging plumbing. For parents, understanding the role of lead in your home’s water is one of the most effective ways to protect your children’s long-term health.

Why Lead Matters for Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the EPA have made it clear: there is no safe level of lead for children. Because children are still developing, their bodies absorb lead more readily than adults, and they are significantly more sensitive to its neurological effects. Even low levels of exposure can lead to learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and developmental delays.

In New Jersey, the primary lead risk for children is historically paint and dust, but drinking water can contribute significantly to total lead exposure—especially for formula-fed infants, who may receive 40–60% of their lead intake from tap water used to prepare formula.

Identifying the Risk in North NJ Homes

In the vast majority of cases, lead is not present in the water when it leaves the municipal treatment plant. Instead, it enters your water through your home’s “delivery system.” You are at higher risk if:

  • Your home was built before 1986: Homes from this era are more likely to have lead service lines (the pipe connecting your home to the street), lead solder (used to join copper pipes), or brass fixtures that contain lead.
  • You have a “Lead Service Line”: This is the single largest potential source of lead in your home. You can often find out if your property has one by contacting your local water utility or using the EPA’s Protect Your Tap guide.
  • Water Stagnation: Lead leaches into water that sits still in pipes for long periods. If your home has been vacant or the water hasn’t been used for several hours (like overnight), the lead concentration can be at its highest.

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Family

You do not need to wait for a lab report to start protecting your children today. Follow these simple, effective habits:

  • Use Cold Water Only: Lead dissolves much faster in hot water. Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and—most importantly—mixing baby formula. Do not use hot tap water for these purposes.
  • Flush Your Pipes: If water has been sitting in your pipes for several hours, run the cold tap for at least 1–5 minutes (the exact time depends on your home’s plumbing length) until it becomes noticeably colder. This flushes out the water that has been in contact with your service lines.
  • Clean Your Aerators: The mesh screens at the tip of your faucets (aerators) can collect lead-containing sediment. Unscrew them and rinse them out at least once a month.
  • Filter Properly: If you choose to use a filter, ensure it is certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 53 specifically for lead removal. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing the filter, as an expired cartridge may no longer be effective.

How to Get Your Water Tested

Because lead is invisible, tasteless, and odorless, testing is the only way to know if it’s in your water.

  1. Contact Your Water Utility: Many local water commissions in North NJ provide free or low-cost lead testing kits to residents. Reach out to your provider to ask if they offer this service.
  2. Use a Certified Lab: If you prefer or need an independent analysis, ensure you use a New Jersey-certified laboratory. You can find a list of NJ-certified labs through the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.
  3. Follow Instructions Carefully: When collecting a sample, follow the lab’s instructions exactly, especially regarding the “first draw” (collecting the first water out of the tap after it has sat for several hours).

Consult Your Pediatrician

If you are concerned about your child’s lead exposure, contact your healthcare provider. New Jersey law requires that children be screened for blood lead levels at both 1 and 2 years of age. A simple blood test can give you a clear picture of whether your child has been exposed to lead from any source, including water, paint, or soil.

For further peace of mind, you can also reach out to your local health department, which can provide guidance on municipal-specific programs or resources for families concerned about lead safety.

What is the one lingering question you have about your home’s water safety that would help you feel more confident?