Bloomfield, NJ - April 24, 2025 - The Township of Bloomfield is proud to announce that its Lead Service Line Replacement Phases Project has been selected for the “Excellence in Community Engagement” award as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) prestigious 2025 AQUARIUS Recognition Program. This award highlights Bloomfield’s exceptional commitment to engaging residents throughout all phases of ongoing work to identify and replace lead service lines.

Out of 16 projects nominated nationwide by state programs, only five were chosen as Exceptional Projects, with Bloomfield’s initiative standing out for its strong focus on transparency, public health, and inclusive community involvement.

“We are deeply honored to receive this national recognition,” said Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell. “Replacing lead service lines isn’t just about meeting mandates—it’s about protecting the health of our residents and building trust through transparency and outreach. This award underscores the diligence and dedication of our team and our commitment to doing what’s right for Bloomfield.”

The Bloomfield Engineering Department has made the identification and removal of lead and galvanized service lines a top priority in compliance with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s mandate to eliminate all such lines by 2031.

The specific project recognized by the EPA included the inventory of roughly 1,600 service lines. Of those, 798 were found to be lead or galvanized and were fully replaced with safe, modern materials. This effort was made possible through continued support from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) - a federal-state partnership designed to protect public health by investing in drinking water infrastructure.

Since launching its lead service line replacement initiative in 2020, Bloomfield has made significant progress in improving the safety of its drinking water system. To date, more than 3,400 service lines have been inspected, and over 1,300 lead or galvanized lines have been fully replaced. The Township continues to seek additional funding and remains dedicated to expanding this important work until all lead service lines are removed.

“This recognition validates our team’s long-term strategy and community-first approach,” said Township Engineer, Paul Lasek. “We remain committed to eliminating every lead and galvanized line before the 2031 deadline. It’s a mission rooted in public health, and we take great pride in the progress we’ve made so far.”

The 2025 AQUARIUS awards were presented at the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities (CIFA) Water Infrastructure Summit on April 23rd. This event celebrated the achievements of local governments and utilities across the country that are leading the way in innovative, health-focused infrastructure development.

About Bloomfield, NJ
The Township of Bloomfield is a vibrant and growing community in Essex County, New Jersey blending historic suburban charm and modern convenience. Located less than 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan, Bloomfield offers its residents a rich array of amenities including easy access to public transportation, abundant green spaces, and a welcoming, diverse community. With expanding residential development, thriving shopping districts, and lively dining and entertainment options, Bloomfield is a sought-after hub for families, professionals, and individuals looking for a dynamic and sustainable community to call home. To learn more visit www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com.