awn;-

RAS J. BARAKA

MAYOR
NEWARK, New JERSEY

August 21, 2019

Jamel C. Holley

New Jersey State Assembly, District 20
985 Stuyvesant Avenue

Union, NJ 07083

Dear Holley:

The City of Newark thanks you for highlighting your recent concerns. I would like to take this
opportunity to inform you of the many proactive measures we have already taken to provide
access to safe drinking water for the people of Newark.

Since October 2018, the City of Newark has distributed over 38,000 water filters and over
31,000 replacement cartridges to impacted homeowners. We have created a Lead Service Line
Replacement Program to modernize Newark's infrastructure and help make the cost of
replacing outdated lead service lines more affordable for residents. Since launching the
program, we have replaced over 700 lead service lines and are reaching new neighborhoods
every week. In the long-term, the City and State will Spend approximately $75 million to
permanently replace an estimated 18,000 residential lead services lines throughout the City.

Let me be clear about one thing: the City of Newark is not interested in turning over our water
source to any outside entity. Water leaving our two treatment facilities is in full compliance
with all lead corrosion treatment requirements, and our source water remains clean. It is the
last stretch of water pipes, located on private property, where outdated lead services lines may
be present. It is also important to understand that we need to take further action, which is why
the City launched a new corrosion control system in May. Experts expect to see a reduction in
lead levels by the end of this year if enough orthophosphate is circulated within the system.

The City is working around the clock with the Governor?s office, the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US
EPA) and the filter manufacturer to conduct additional testing and determine the best course of
action as quickly as possible. Out of an abundance of caution and until additional testing is
complete, the City and State will provide bottled water to residents in the Pequannock service
area who have lead service lines.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 0 920 BROAD STREET. ROOM 200. NEWARK. NJ 07102 I TELEPHONE (973) 733-6400 FAX (973] 733-371 I CI NEWARK NJ U5

The community has come together to support one another over the last few weeks in an
incredible way. The City has quickly formed partnerships with community organizations, non-

profits, faith-based groups and private industries to ensure our residents have access to safe
drinking water.

i want to thank you again for your continued concern. I invite you to sit down with my
administration and our water treatment experts to collaboratively work toward a long-term
solution to modernize our infrastructure - not only here in Newark, but in municipalities just
like Newark all across New Jersey and the nation.

Sincerely,

Ras Baraka
Mayor

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 920 BROAD STREET ROOM 200. NEWARK. NJ 07I02 TELEPHONE (973] 733-6400 FAX (973) 733-371 I 0 Cl NEWARK NJ US