Calabrese Bill Designed to Help Senior and Low-Income Homeowners Replace Lead-Contaminated Water Service Lines Introduced in Assembly

(TRENTON) – To protect and ensure clean drinking water for at-risk New Jersey homeowners, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese recently introduced legislation to make interest-free loans available for certain New Jersey homeowners to help replace lead-contaminated water service lines located on the homeowner’s property between the water main and the water meter.

“All residents deserve contaminant-free drinking water,” said Calabrese (D-Bergen, Passaic). “Low-income and senior citizens are oftentimes at the greatest risk of exposure to lead-contaminated water. This bill will give them the support they need to address water concerns.”

The bill (A-5188) establishes an interest-free loan program in the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to finance the replacement of lead-contaminated water service lines connecting water supply systems to the homes of seniors and low-income residents.

The loans would be available for low-income and senior owners of single-family residential properties with a source of potable water that violates lead standards and which has a water service line that is constructed with lead.

Under the bill, the loans may have a term of no more than ten years with a maximum amount of $10,000.

“Clean water is our absolute most basic need. It is not a privilege, but a human right,” said Calabrese. “This is another step in ensuring all residents have access to lead-free, clean water sources.”

The bill has been referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.