the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ,108 homes were sampled with 16 across Bergen and Hudson counties showing higher levels of lead than the federal standard. SUEZ, serves 53 municipalities in Bergen County and six in Hudson County .NJDEP records show that the SUEZ water system serves nearly 800,000 people in North Jersey.
Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi commented:
I just had a conference call with executives at SUEZ water regarding a report today that elevated lead levels were found in the drinking water of some homes in Bergen county. Out of 108 homes tested, higher than permissible lead levels were found in 16 homes. The elevated lead levels likely came either from older lead pipes that extend from water mains under the street into homes or from older lead fixtures in the homes. If you have a newer home or a new built construction you will not be impacted as lead products were no longer used in newer construction.
If you are a customer of Suez in an older home you can find out if you are served by a lead line by checking your account online at https://www.mysuezwater.com/njwq, visiting SUEZWQ.com or calling or emailing the customer service center at 1-800-422-5987 and sueznjcustserv@suez-na.com,
Suez will test homes that are served by a company-owned lead service line for free.
In the event your home tests positive for lead above the acceptable government standards a water filter that removes lead will be provided free of charge.
Ridgewood water was effected by similar issues with some older homes in town.