By: Richard L. Smith
Bloomfield’s efforts to ensure safe drinking water and foster community trust have earned national acclaim.
The township's Lead Service Line Replacement Phases Project has been recognized with the “Excellence in Community Engagement” award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of its 2025 AQUARIUS Recognition Program.
According to information released by Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell, the award acknowledges the township’s exceptional approach to involving residents in every stage of its lead pipe replacement initiative—a project centered on transparency, health, and community partnership.
Selected as one of only five “Exceptional Projects” out of 16 nominated across the country, Bloomfield stood out for its efforts to communicate openly and engage residents while addressing a critical public health issue.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition,” Mayor Mundell stated.
“Our work goes beyond meeting state requirements—it's about safeguarding our community and earning the trust of those we serve. This award is a reflection of the hard work and integrity of our team.”
The project, spearheaded by the township’s Engineering Department, has prioritized identifying and replacing lead and galvanized service lines in accordance with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s mandate to eliminate all such lines statewide by 2031.
As part of the award-winning phase, the township inspected approximately 1,600 service lines and discovered 798 in need of replacement.
Each of those was fully replaced with safe, modern materials.
The effort was supported by funding through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) and the federal-state Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, a program aimed at protecting public health by investing in essential water infrastructure.
Since the launch of the initiative in 2020, Bloomfield has inspected more than 3,400 service lines and replaced over 1,300 lead or galvanized lines.
The township continues to pursue additional funding sources to ensure that every lead service line is removed ahead of the 2031 deadline.
“This recognition is a powerful validation of our mission and long-term strategy,” said Township Engineer Paul Lasek. “We’re committed to completing this work not just because it’s required, but because it’s the right thing to do. Protecting our residents’ health remains our highest priority.”
The EPA presented the award during the 2025 Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities (CIFA) Water Infrastructure Summit held on April 23.
The event celebrated local and state governments leading the way in innovative, health-focused infrastructure development across the nation.