New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy joined with officials in Newark to unveil a $120 million program to address the lead water crisis in the city.
The money will allow the city to speed up the process of replacing lead pipes that lead to about 14,000 homes. Instead of a decade, the pipes will be replaced in 30 months or less.
“It's time for us to fix our nation's aging water infrastructure. Thank you Essex County for stepping up to help accelerate Newark’s lead service replacement effort. Clean water is a right for every family and every community,” Governor Phil Murphy tweeted.
Residents have been drinking from bottled water for weeks after tests last month showed elevated levels of lead in the drinking water. Officials have distributed water filters, but it could be weeks before it’s determined whether they’re effective.
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