Lead in Our Drinking Water
Jersey Water Works recognizes that not only modern, robust water infrastructure but also an informed public are crucial for the health of our children, our communities and ultimately our economy. In this section of our lead resource library, we provide resources to help educate on the risks and effects of lead exposure from drinking water. Click here for an introduction to the full Lead Resource Library.
Lead In Drinking Water (NJ DEP)
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has compiled resources for the general public as well as for school and child care facilities. It specifically addresses steps to reduce your exposure and whom to contact if you think there is a problem with your water.
Lead Resources (CDC)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has compiled resources related to lead poisoning in children. It includes information about sources of lead and preventing lead poisoning, scientific publications, policy resources and training information about collecting blood lead samples.
The Environmental Protection Agency has compiled resources and provided answers to frequently asked questions about lead in the home and the health effects on children, pregnant women and adults.
Lead Resource Page (NIH)
The lead resource page for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences includes general information on lead exposure for both parents and educators in the form of FAQs. It provides links to additional sources for further information.
This report by the National Resource Defense Council analyzes years of EPA data on lead in drinking water following the crisis in Flint, Michigan to ensure that violations are taken seriously and public health threats are addressed. The report ends with recommendations to protect public health and upgrade water infrastructure.
Lead In Drinking Water at Schools and Child Care Facilities (NJ Department of Health)
This fact sheet provides basic information on the effects of lead on young children as well as ways in which they can be exposed at schools and child care centers. It also includes tips on reducing drinking water lead exposure as well. Links to information on certified water testing labs, blood testing, and home water filters are included.
Lead In Drinking Water (WHO)
This report by the World Health Organization describes the ways in which humans can be exposed to lead and the potential health impacts following exposure. The report includes health effects observed in laboratory animals as well as long term effects on humans. 2011.
Drinking Water Facts: Lead (NJ DOH)
This fact sheet by the NJ Department of Health provides basic information on how lead gets into drinking water, how to test drinking water for lead, and what to do if lead is found in your water. August 2010.
This report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes historical trends in blood lead levels as well as the health effects on both children and adults exposed to lead. It provides information on what control measures should be implemented to deal with lead pipes in buildings. August 2010.
How Lead Gets into your Drinking Water (USA Today)
A motion graphic showing how lead can get into your drinking water.
The Lead Service Line Replacement collaborative’s goal is to accelerate voluntary lead service line replacement in communities across the United States. This site provides information to help communities facilitate full LSL replacement.
Get the Lead Out: Ensuring Safe Drinking Water for Our Children at School (Environment New Jersey)
This report by the Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center provides recommendations for states and communities to address the problem of lead in drinking water in schools across the nation.
Recent Tools & Resouces
- Asset Management Key Performance Indicators: Rule Recommendations for State Government
- Drinking Water Guide: A Resource for Advocates
- Water Resources Baseline Topic Report
- Jersey Water Works Strategic Communications Recommendations and Message Platform
- Developing Lead Service Line Inventories Presented by the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators