58:12A-38 Findings, declarations relative to entry onto property to perform lead service line replacements.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Lead service lines are the primary source of lead in drinking water;
b. It is estimated that there are between 160,000 and 350,000 lead service lines throughout the State;
c. Lead in drinking water poses a serious health and safety risk to the public, particularly infants and children;
d. A municipality in the State, pursuant to R.S.40:48-2, may enact such ordinances as it deems necessary and proper for the preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants; and
e. It is the intent of the Legislature to clarify that a municipality may enact an ordinance to enter properties to perform lead service line replacements as part of its powers to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents.
L.2019, c.291, s.1.