Getting into homes has become one of the biggest hurdles in removing lead pipes.

In this segment, Alex Wells of the Passaic Valley Water Commission explains how New Jersey’s lead service line replacement effort is confronting a practical reality: utilities can’t replace what they can’t access.

In cities like Paterson, Passaic, and Clifton, outreach became central to the work. Many residents are renters, not homeowners, and may not know they can authorize entry for inspections and pipe replacement. Utilities responded by expanding multilingual communication, working with mayors and city councils, and passing local ordinances that allow access and clarify tenant permissions.

The effort extended beyond traditional outreach. Community members were enlisted to knock on doors, local leaders hosted public meetings and online forums, and trusted voices helped explain the purpose of the work — that crews are there to replace aging water lines, not enforce housing codes.

The lesson is clear: replacing lead pipes is not just a construction effort — it requires coordinated action between utilities, local governments, and the communities they serve.

00:00 – Lead Pipe Replacement in New Jersey Cities
00:20 – The Challenge of Accessing Homes
00:45 – Reaching Renters and Multilingual Communities
01:15 – Passing Ordinances to Allow Entry
01:40 – Building Trust Through Local Outreach
02:05 – Progress Toward Lead-Free Communities

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Visit https://www.waterloop.org/

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