Update on New Jersey American Water’s Lead Service Line Replacement Work

Maplewood Township continues to work with New Jersey American Water (NJAW) to minimize and manage the impact that its lead service line replacement project and meter pit installation project have had on our residents. Over the last few months, we increased our focus on NJAW's restoration of residents' yards, curbs, sidewalks, and roadways. As of this week, NJAW’s project is 80% complete. Here is a more detailed update from NJAW on where they are in the project:

WORK IN THE ROADWAY: Work in the roadway typically requires excavation to replace lead service lines between the water main and the curb. The process requires excavation, backfilling of material, and temporary pavement restoration. Temporary restoration is necessary to allow time for settlement before final restoration can be completed. The Township is working with NJAW to determine how pavement impacts will be addressed at each location. Depending on the extent of the work, restoration may range from repair of the excavated area to repaving the entire roadway. Restoration will be done in phases from now through fall, with the first phase of roadways expected to be restored by mid-summer.

WORK BEHIND THE CURB/SIDEWALK: Work in this area may impact sidewalks, curbing and landscaping. In these areas, NJAW may be replacing lead service lines between the curb and the property, and they may install meter pits near the sidewalk. This requires excavation, backfilling of material, and temporary surface restoration. Temporary restoration of landscaped areas may use a gravel type of material, and temporary restoration of sidewalk and curb may include asphalt pavement. Final restoration of excavated landscaped areas will typically include the removal of the temporary gravel and the placement of soil and grass seed. Residents are asked to water newly placed grass seed until the grass is established.. Final restoration of curbs and sidewalk is done with poured concrete; and is typically done approximately 90 days after the temporary surface restoration to allow time for the ground to settle. NJAW and their subcontractor, Montana Construction, are currently delayed past their 90-day restoration goal, so they have increased the number of restoration crews in an effort to get back on schedule. 

Progress Report:

• NJAW has replaced 1866 lead service lines and has 449 remaining.
• NJAW has installed 1064 stand-alone meter pits and has 457 remaining.
• NJAW has completed 1458 final restorations of topsoil and has 1139 remaining.
• NJAW has completed 1311 final restorations of concrete and has 251 remaining.

As of this week, the project is 80% complete. Residents with concerns regarding restoration work can contact Michael Oliveira, Project Manager with Montana Construction, at moliveira@montanaconstructioninc.com. If your questions or concerns are not resolved, please contact Maplewood Township Engineer, Paul Kittner, at pkittner@maplewoodnj.gov.