Trenton Water Works: 11,000 lead lines replaced, 19,000 remain

Trenton Water Works says it has replaced more than 11,000 lead and galvanized service lines since 2019, but the utility estimates that about 19,000 remain across its service area as New Jersey’s 2031 replacement deadline approaches.

The City of Trenton announced the milestone July 23. TWW said it has invested approximately $70 million in the program, including replacements on private property at no cost to participating property owners.

Where replacement work is continuing

Construction and related work are taking place in several communities served by Trenton Water Works. In Trenton, contractors are working in South, North and East Trenton to verify service-line materials, obtain property access and replace approximately 2,400 lines through Phases 3 and 5.

In Hamilton Township, contractors are completing final restoration after approximately 1,000 service lines were replaced. In Ewing and Lawrence townships, contractors are replacing approximately 450 to 500 lines in coordination with planned roadway improvement projects.

TWW also says more than 1,900 additional replacements are scheduled across Trenton, Ewing Township and Lawrence Township during the next two years. Those figures describe scheduled work, not completed replacements. Timing can depend on property access, weather, contractor availability and road projects.

Phase 6 has major financing

The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank said the City of Trenton closed on a $15.2 million New Jersey Water Bank loan for approximately 2,000 lead and galvanized service-line replacements throughout the city.

Because the project reduces the risk of lead exposure, Trenton Water Works is eligible to receive an estimated $12,025,378 in principal forgiveness at long-term closing, according to the Infrastructure Bank. The estimated amount represents about 79% of the project cost.

A city Phase 6A bid record lists a 730-day performance period beginning after a notice to proceed and records a May 21, 2026 bid opening. The document is a procurement record; it does not by itself show that all Phase 6A work has been awarded, started or completed.

Why public documents show different totals

Residents may see different inventory numbers in official records. A May 27 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection response said a 2025 Trenton Water Works estimate identified approximately 15,000 remaining lead service lines and another 19,000 service lines of unknown material that may contain lead.

That accounting is not directly equivalent to TWW’s newer estimate of approximately 19,000 remaining lead and galvanized lines. The documents use different categories and counting methods, particularly for lines whose material has not been confirmed. The figures should not be treated as proof of an error or contradiction.

What residents should do

Residents can use the official Trenton Water Works lead-service-line replacement program to check their address and review participation requirements. Contractors contact properties when work is planned in an area. Property owners or occupants generally must complete a Right of Entry form before a contractor can inspect or schedule replacement work.

The program says approved contractors will not ask residents for payment. Residents who receive a door hanger or contractor contact should use the information provided through the official program and confirm that the work is part of TWW’s replacement effort.

The program website also says customers must respond to the sign-up form. Those who opt out of the free replacement may be required to replace the line at their own expense and provide proof of the work.

Trenton Water Works remains in the middle of a multiyear effort rather than at the end of it. The 2031 deadline is the statewide requirement, while current construction, financing and scheduled phases represent progress toward that deadline—not a guarantee that every replacement has already been funded or completed.

Sources

• City of Trenton milestone update
• NJDEP Senate budget response
• New Jersey Infrastructure Bank Phase 6 announcement
• Trenton Water Works lead service-line replacement program