By The Jessica Lees Team | Serving the Wildwoods & Cape May County

Something significant is happening under the streets of the Wildwoods - and many property owners may not know about it yet.

The Wildwood Water Utility closed on a $30 million loan through the New Jersey Water Bank in June 2026 to fund Phase 1 of a lead service line replacement program covering Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Lower Township, and Middle Township. The project is expected to replace 861 lead service lines, including necessary roadway and surface restoration.

The goal is to replace qualifying service lines, including the portions owned by the utility and the property owner. Homeowners should confirm their property's eligibility, replacement schedule, and any potential costs directly with the Wildwood Water Utility.

What the Project Actually Does

Lead service lines are the pipes that carry drinking water from the main line under the street into a home or building. They can be a significant source of lead in drinking water. In older communities like the Wildwoods, some service lines were installed decades ago and have yet to be replaced.

Phase 1 targets 861 service lines across Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and portions of Lower and Middle Township. The project includes replacement work and restoration of surfaces disturbed during construction.

The work is financed through the New Jersey Water Bank, a state program that helps communities fund drinking water and other infrastructure improvements.

Additional phases of Wildwood's lead service line replacement program are also moving forward. The city's 2026 public notices include contracts for Phases 2 and 3, extending the effort beyond the initial 861 lines.

What New Jersey Law Requires

This project isn't just a local initiative - it's part of a statewide requirement. Under New Jersey's 2021 Lead Service Line Replacement Law, community water systems must identify and replace their lead service lines within ten years, establishing a 2031 deadline.

New Jersey also has disclosure requirements that matter to property owners. The state's Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement asks whether a seller is aware of lead piping on the property, including service lines, piping materials, fixtures, and solder.

Landlords have separate notification obligations when they receive certain notices about lead in drinking water. Legislation enacted in 2025 also established additional disclosure requirements for covered residential leases and renewals, with exceptions that include seasonal rental units.

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know Right Now

If you're buying in Wildwood, North Wildwood, or Wildwood Crest, ask whether the property's service line material has been identified, whether the line has already been replaced, and whether the address is included in an upcoming phase of the program. A completed replacement can resolve a potential concern, but buyers should verify the work rather than assume it has been done.

If you're selling, documentation showing that your service line has been replaced can be useful information for prospective buyers. If the line hasn't been addressed, be prepared to disclose what you know and answer questions about its status and any scheduled work.

For owners in West Wildwood and Diamond Beach, don't assume your property is excluded. The Wildwood Water Utility also serves these communities, although inclusion in a particular replacement phase depends on the property's service line and the utility's schedule.

If you're unsure about your property's status, contact the Wildwood Water Utility at 609-846-0600 or visit its website to review the available lead service line information.

The project is moving forward. For property owners across the Wildwoods, the important question is where their property falls in the replacement timeline.

The Jessica Lees Team follows infrastructure improvements, disclosure requirements, and the developments that affect property ownership across the Wildwoods and Cape May County. When it matters to your property, it matters to us.

📲 Follow us on social media for updates on the lead service line replacement program and news affecting the local real estate market.

📧 Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the information Wildwoods property owners need, delivered every week.

The Jessica Lees Team - Your trusted source for real estate expertise across the Wildwoods and Cape May County.