Opinion: An Effort is Underway to Replace Lead Pipes in Orange and Make Drinking Water Safer

In Orange, there is a history of mistrust in tap water due to previous contamination, management changes, and older homes with lead pipes. Roughly 78% of the homes in Orange were built before 1980, when lead pipes were commonly used in water infrastructure.

However, there is an effort underway to replace toxic lead pipes. The city government is early in the process of identifying where lead service lines—the underground pipes connecting water mains to our homes—are located in the city.

New Jersey law requires all lead service lines to be replaced by 2031. To meet this deadline, the Orange Water Department will soon begin outreach to residents to verify affected households.

Protecting the public from lead in drinking water will require collaboration among city agencies and officials, water utility, and the community. Residents can play a key role in the transition to lead-free drinking water by responding quickly when the water department reaches out to them by letter, phone call, or in person.

There is no safe level of lead. Even low exposure to lead can cause irreversible damage to our bodies, particularly to children’s brain development, learning abilities, and long-term health. The sooner we identify and remove lead pipes, the better we can protect our families.

The mistrust in tap water among Orange residents has pushed many toward drinking bottled water. But single-use plastic bottled water is neither sustainable nor affordable. Most bottled water is filtered tap water sold at a premium. Plastic bottles also pose risks—leaching harmful chemicals and microplastics—and contributing to plastic pollution, harming human and environmental health.

While replacing pipes takes time, residents can protect themselves now by obtaining a water filter certified to effectively remove lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizes certified filters as an important interim solution. Local governments should provide free filters and replacement cartridges to impacted households when possible. But, even when purchased independently, filters are far cheaper than bottled water, which costs hundreds of dollars more annually. Once you have a filter, remember to replace cartridges as indicated to ensure effectiveness, often every six months.

To rebuild trust, the local government should regularly update residents about affected households, where replacements are happening, and how residents can stay safe in the meantime. State law requires water utilities to publicly report the status of known or suspected lead service lines and notify affected households by August 10 each year. Yet, many N.J. water utilities, including Orange Water Department, have faced challenges in meeting these requirements. Overcoming barriers to compliance is essential to building public confidence.

Meanwhile, community organizations in Orange are playing a crucial role in educating residents. The HUUB, a community campus, is raising awareness during gatherings held in their spaces, like quinceañeras or community garden events.