South River Boro, NJ · PWSID NJ1223001
South River W Dept lead service lines
23 lead or galvanized lines to replace
South River W Dept reported 7 lead and 16 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 5,234 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 228 lines. Another 3,444 (66%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #144 of 240 New Jersey systems with confirmed lead lines, and #3,505 nationally.
0.4% of South River W Dept's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's lower than the New Jersey average (4.5%) and lower than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0.1%
- Galvanized (replace) 0.3%
- Unknown 66%
- Non-lead 34%
Total service lines reported: 5,234. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 16,000; 4,245 connections.
Lead test results
South River W Dept's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2026–Jun 2026) was not detected, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 26 in 2025 Q1 to 23 in 2026 Q3: down 3 (12%). Lines of unknown material went from 3,741 to 3,444, down 297 (7.9%).
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 9 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 1 health-based, 1 still open for South River W Dept. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Open |
| Jul 2025 | Missed water quality parameter monitoring | Closed |
| Apr 2025 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Returned to compliance |
| Jan 2025 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Returned to compliance |
| Jan 2025 | Missed water quality parameter monitoring | Returned to compliance |
| Jul 2024 | Missed water quality parameter monitoring | Returned to compliance |
| Jan 2023 | Corrosion control study or recommendation not done health-based | Returned to compliance |
| Jan 2023 | Missed water quality parameter monitoring | Returned to compliance |
| Jul 2022 | Missed source water monitoring | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
South River W Dept's main water source is purchased surface water. It buys treated water from East Brunswick Water Utility. The seller treats the water, including corrosion control that keeps lead from dissolving out of pipes, while South River W Dept is responsible for its own service line inventory and replacement program.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask South River W Dept whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Middlesex County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside South River W Dept's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
08882
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Middlesex Water Company | 2,562 | 568 |
| New Brunswick W Dept | 370 | 2,481 |
| Perth Amboy Water Department | 852 | 4,460 |
| East Brunswick Water Utility | 159 | 1,420 |
| Sayreville W Dept | 197 | 6,141 |
| Highland Park W Dept | 72 | 3 |
| Matawan Borough Water de | 144 | 454 |
| Milltown W Dept | 59 | 615 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does South River W Dept have lead pipes?
Yes. South River W Dept reported 7 lead service lines and 16 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 5,234 total. 3,444 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on South River W Dept's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will South River W Dept replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has South River W Dept had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 9 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 1 health-based, 1 still open for South River W Dept.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "South River W Dept lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/nj/south-river-w-dept/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.