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Protecting Communities: New Jersey’s Expanded Lead Exposure Mapping Tool

News Release:  MURPHY ADMINISTRATION RELEASES UPDATED POTENTIAL LEAD EXPOSURE MAPPING TOOL DURING NATIONAL LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK – NEW LAYER IDENTIFIES WATER PROVIDER SERVICE LINE INVENTORIES    https://dep.nj.gov/newsrel/24_01025/

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct. 20-26) has sparked new efforts by the New Jersey Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Health (DOH) to help residents better understand and address lead exposure risks. One of the most significant developments is the updated Potential Lead Exposure Mapping Tool (PLEM), which now includes a new layer showing community water provider service line inventories. This addition provides a clearer picture of potential lead exposure sources across New Jersey, particularly from drinking water infrastructure.

Understanding Lead Exposure Risks

Lead, a heavy metal once commonly used in products like paint, gasoline, and plumbing, poses serious health risks, especially to young children and pregnant individuals. Even small amounts of lead exposure can have long-lasting effects on development, causing issues with learning, behavior, and physical growth. In adults, it can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. No safe blood lead level has been established, which is why awareness and prevention are critical.

The Role of the PLEM Tool

The Potential Lead Exposure Mapping Tool (PLEM) allows New Jersey residents to visualize lead risks in their communities. Initially launched in 2021, the tool previously focused on lead paint exposure risks in older housing stock. With this new update, PLEM now includes an additional layer that shows water service line materials—an important indicator of potential lead exposure from drinking water. Older service lines, particularly in properties built before the 1980s, may contain lead, posing a risk as lead can leach into the water supply.

How the New Water System Layer Works

Under the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act, community water providers are required to inventory service line materials and update this information annually. The PLEM tool’s water system layer visualizes these inventories by displaying service line materials in provider service areas. Although data is currently organized by service areas, New Jersey DEP aims to provide even more specific information in future updates—down to the parcel or building level—by 2031, when all lead service lines are to be replaced statewide.

For residents concerned about their own homes’ service lines, PLEM directs users to water providers’ websites or customer service contacts, where more specific information may be available, particularly for those served by larger providers.

Addressing Environmental Inequality

As Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette has noted, the risks of lead exposure often disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color. These areas frequently have older housing with lead-based paints and aging infrastructure, making them more vulnerable to lead exposure over time. This mapping tool is part of New Jersey’s commitment to environmental justice, aiming to support all residents in recognizing and addressing lead risks.

Taking Action at Home

While tools like PLEM provide a broader picture of lead risks, residents can also take individual actions to reduce exposure:

  1. Contact Your Water Provider: If you live in an older home, reach out to your water provider to ask about the material of your service line. They should provide this information if you are in a community of 3,300 or more people.
  2. Test Your Drinking Water: Home testing kits for lead in drinking water are available at many hardware stores and through some local health departments. Regular testing is important, especially if you suspect lead pipes or have young children.
  3. Maintain Your Home’s Paint: If you live in a house built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned for residential use, ensure paint is in good condition and doesn’t chip, as chipping paint can release lead dust.
  4. Run Tap Water: Let tap water run for a few minutes before using it for drinking or cooking, especially if water has been sitting in pipes overnight.
  5. Install a Water Filter: Look for a filter certified to reduce lead levels if you’re concerned about lead in your tap water.

Looking Ahead

The PLEM tool is a vital step in New Jersey’s journey toward eliminating lead exposure across the state. With continued updates and increased transparency, New Jersey residents, local health officials, and community advocates are better equipped to identify risks and advocate for safer living environments.

To explore the Potential Lead Exposure Mapping Tool or learn more about lead exposure prevention, visit the New Jersey Department of Health’s website at nj.gov/health.