The City of Newark has initiated a program to distribute over 40,000 National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified water filters to Newark residents. The Department of Water & Sewer Utilities has set up distribution centers throughout the city and is delivering filters door-to-door.
Please read the public notice and watch the conference for additional information.
97.5% of the filters, when properly installed and maintained, reduced lead to 10 parts-per-billion (ppb) or below. When the faucet was flushed for 5 minutes prior to filtering, 99.5% of the filters reduced lead to 10 ppb or below.
To achieve maximum benefits from the filters, flush for a minimum of 5 minutes, after the water has not been used for several hours, prior to filtering.
Flushing should be done through the bypass, when the switch on the faucet is in the up position.
Flushing for a minimum of 5 minutes at a moderate flow-rate or more is adequate for most homes in the Pequannock system to discard the stagnated water in the service line and reach the water in the water main. Homes with a longer yard should flush for 8 minutes at a moderate flow-rate to reach the water from the water main.
Flushing the water for 5 minutes will cost less than 3 cents.
For pitcher filters, flush the faucet for a minimum of 5 minutes prior to filling the top of the pitcher for filtered water.
The City of Newark has initiated a program to distribute over 40,000 NSF Certified water filters to Newark residents. The Newark Department of Water & Sewer Utilities has been working tirelessly to reach residents and distribute filters. There are seven distribution centers located throughout the city where residents can obtain a filter, and canvassers have also delivered filters door-to-door. Since October 2018, the City has already delivered more than 36,000 filters to residents, spending over 25,000 hours going door-to-door in an effort to reach Newark families.
This program aims to supply water filters and replacement cartridges to single-family and multi-family homes that are serviced by the Pequannock Water System (all of west and south wards, and most of central and north wards) and have lead service lines or interior copper piping with lead solder, as well as homes tested by the City with a water lead level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) or higher. Large structures that are not served by lead service lines, such as apartment buildings and condominiums, as well as residential housing developments and homes built after 1986, are not covered under this program. Households in the Wanaque Water System also do not require a filter under this program unless there is a water lead test result 15 ppb or above. Call (973) 733-6370 for a free water lead test.
You can pick up your free filter at one of the locations listed below.
To verify if your home is affected please use the lookup tool (below) by searching for your address in the map. The tool will show you our records for the account and provide a recommendation for you to take action.
To reduce your lead exposure, the City recommends you install a filter certified by NSF for reducing lead and clean your aerators and filter screens on all faucets every week. Newark is also offering free water testing upon request. Please contact the Department of Water & Sewer Utilities at (973) 733-6370 or waterandsewer@ci.newark.nj.us to schedule testing.
It is recommended that pregnant women and children under 6 in affected homes use bottled water for drinking and cooking until a lead-safe filter is installed. Residents in affected homes should prepare formula for infants with bottled water until a filter certified to NSF 53 standards to remove lead is installed.
You can use this tool to look up our records for your address and learn if you might have a lead service line and whether you are eligible for an NSF Certified Filter. Simply search for your address below using the search bar at the top-right corner of the map.
On a mobile device? We recommend using the full screen app.
Can’t find your address? Please be sure you’ve entered it correctly in the search tool. If your address is not represented on the map or no instructions are provided, then our records indicate this address is not associated with a small residential unit with an independent water account within the City of Newark.
If our records are incorrect and this address is associated with a small residential unit with an independent water account, please Contact the Water & Sewer Department at (973) 733-6370 or waterandsewer@ci.newark.nj.us.
As part of new COVID-19 precautions, distribution of water filters and are available by appointment only. Please call your preferred location to schedule a pick-up time.
Newark City Hall – 920 Broad Street
Call to schedule a pick-up appointment (973) 733-6370
Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Department of Health and Community Wellness – 110 Williams Street
Call to schedule a pick-up appointment (973) 733-7600
Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
Department of Water & Sewer Utilities – 239 Central Avenue
Call to schedule a pick-up appointment (973) 733-6303
Monday-Saturday 8:30am to 7pm
Recreation Centers are no longer being used for distribution
If you are visiting one of our seven locations across the city to obtain a filter or cartridges, please bring the following with you:
Identification – a driver’s license or government-issued ID
Tenants/renters must provide Proof of Residency – a lease agreement, utility bill, cable bill, etc.
If possible, bring photos of your kitchen sink faucet so we can determine the type of filter to provide you.
The City of Newark is distributing PUR lead-reducing water filters and cartridges to affected residents. Please watch the following video, which walks you through installing your filter.
Your PUR filter package includes:
Faucet mount unit
Filter cartridge
Four faucet adapters and washers
PUR manual and product data sheet
Here is a basic overview on how to install your filter:
Unscrew your faucet aerator and remove old washer
Select the faucet adapter that works best for your faucet and attach using your fingers to tighten; be sure black washer is inserted into the threaded side of adapter
If you have an external threaded faucet, try adapters A or B (adapter A fits most external threaded faucets)
If you have an internal threaded faucet, try adapters C or D (adapter C fits most internal threaded faucets)
Twist off the top of your mount unit, drop your filter cartridge into the unit, and replace the top cover
Attach filter onto your faucet until you hear a click
Make sure washer is firmly seated in the adapter before attaching unit to faucet
Push down on the switch to filter your water
Do not run hot water when switch is in down/on position, this may damage the filter. If you need hot water for drinking or cooking, get cold filtered water from tap and then heat it
The green indicator light will flash for a few seconds to indicate it is functioning properly
Before use of a new filter or cartridge, run cold water for five minutes to flush cartridge to remove any lose material
Note: Cloudy water and the sound of air running through cartridge is normal during this flushing
For unfiltered water, pull the switch up
In this position you can run both hot and cold water
To remove your filter, press the white quick release buttons
Reattach it with one click
Now you’re ready to use your filter! For more information, please refer to the PUR Filter Manual.
Below are tips to keep in mind when using your lead-safe water filter:
Push down on switch to filter your water
Do not run hot water when switch is in down/on position, this may damage the filter. If you need hot water for drinking or cooking, get cold filtered water from tap and then heat it
If you want unfiltered water, just pull the switch up
In this position you can run hot or cold water for safe unfiltered water uses such as washing dishes, washing your hands and watering plants.
Do not run water through the filter for more than 2 minutes at a time. Rest the filter for 18 minutes after 2 minutes of use
If you need space to wash dishes or make room in your sink, swivel unit to rear of sink or remove altogether using white quick release buttons
To remove your filter, use the white quick release buttons
Flush water when the switch is up (or in the off position) for at least 5 minutes before running water through the filter (with the switch in the down position)
Before using a new filter unit or cartridge, run cold water for five minutes to flush cartridge to remove any lose material
Note: Cloudy water and the sound of air running through cartridge is normal during this flushing
If the light on your filter is red, then it’s time to change your filter immediately
Faucet filter cartridges are intended to be used for approximately 100 gallons of filtered water, and for many people, a faucet filter cartridge lasts approximately 3 months. Pitcher filter cartridges are intended to be used only for 40 gallons. Make sure to always replace your filter cartridge if the light is yellow or red. Because lead levels in drinking water can be higher in some homes, it is important to closely monitor the indicator light on your water filter and replace the cartridge as early as possible.
If you see a green indicator light, your filter is functioning properly.
If you see a yellow light on your filter, you will need to change your cartridge soon.
If the light on your filter is red, then it's time to change your filter.
Please watch these videos showing how to replace a PUR One-Click filter and pitcher filter cartridges.
Here is an overview on how to replace your filter cartridge:
Use white quick release buttons to remove filter unit from faucet
Twist off the top of your mount unit
Remove old filter cartridge
Drop your new filter cartridge into the mount unit
Make sure the filter is oriented correctly
Replace the top cover of mount unit
Attach filter onto your faucet until you will hear a click
Push down on switch to filter your water
The green indicator light will flash for a few seconds to indicate it is functioning properly
Before use, run cold water for five minutes to flush cartridge to remove any lose material
Note: Cloudy water and the sound of air running through cartridge is normal during flushing
To reduce your risk of lead exposure, the City recommends you clean the aerators on unfiltered faucets weekly:
The aerator is the end-piece of your faucet where the water comes out
Unscrew the aerator
Make sure you note how the piece comes off so you know how to put it back together; parts can vary
Remove the screen and rinse out any debris that has built up
Screw the aerator back onto your faucet
The current law allows end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with a maximum of 0.25 percent lead to be labeled as “lead free”. However, prior to 2014, “lead free” allowed up to 8 percent lead content, including those labeled National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified. Lead solder on copper piping was also commonly used on interior plumbing prior to 1986. Even if you do not have a lead service line, plumbing components in your home may still not be completely “lead free”. Here are ways you can reduce your exposure to lead:
Replace your lead service line (if you have one) with Newark’s ongoing Lead Service Line Replacement Program. Register Online
Always buy plumbing fixtures that are certified as “lead free” under the new law.
Install a filter on your drinking water faucet that is NSF 42 and NSF 53 certified to remove lead and replace the filter cartridges at the frequency recommended by the manufacturer or when the light turns yellow, whichever comes first.
Periodically remove and clean faucet screens and aerators for faucets.
Run your cold water tap for a minimum of 5 minutes and then fill a pitcher with fresh water and store in your refrigerator for future use.
Always use fresh, cold, running water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula (not hot water).
Do not boil water for the purpose of removing lead. Boiling water does not remove lead.
Be careful of dust from lead-based paint.
Be careful of other sources of lead in your home, such as pottery, makeup, jewelry and toys. Wash your children’s hands and toys often.
Read Newark’s Public Education document, Important Information About Lead in Your Drinking Water
The City of Newark is working to minimize lead exposure from drinking water plumbing by replacing residential service lines that are made with lead materials through the Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The Lead Service Line Replacement Program is an aggressive, two-year, $115 million plan to remove approximately 18,000 lead service lines across Newark. The City is currently providing the opportunity for homeowners to replace their lead service lines.
Since October 2018, the City of Newark has taken steps to minimize risk for residents, including:
Distributed over 36,000 lead-reducing water filters and cartridges to impacted homeowners free-of-charge through distribution centers located throughout the city and door-to-door canvassing
Offering free water testing to homeowners
Developing a partnership with the State of New Jersey to replace residential lead service lines
Moved swiftly to install a new corrosion control system to replace the one that is no longer effective
When the light on your filter is yellow, it is time to change the cartridge. If the light is red, the cartridge is no longer working. If you are unable to see the light, change your cartridge once a month. Because lead levels in drinking water can be higher in some homes, it is important to closely monitor the indicator light on your water filter and replace the cartridge as early as possible.
Faucet filter cartridges are intended to be used for approximately 100 gallons of filtered water, and for many people, a filter cartridge lasts approximately 3 months.
Pitcher filter cartridges are intended to be used only for a total of 40 gallons at a maximum of 2 gallons a day. Replace pitcher cartridges when the light turns yellow or red.
To reduce your risk of lead exposure, the City recommends you clean the aerators on unfiltered faucets weekly.
According to the filter manufacturers, if hot water is run through the cartridges, it will not be filtered properly and in some cases may actually reverse the chemical absorption and adsorption processes, releasing contaminants back into the water.
Use only cold or cool water when with your filters. If you happen to accidentally run hot water through the system, replace your filter cartridge with a new cartridge.
Sign up with our online registration form. Alternatively, download the Registration Form, fill it out and send it to us. See the registration page for details.
Please contact the Department of Water & Sewer Utilities at (973) 733-6303 or waterandsewer@ci.newark.nj.us.
