Can Newark's Quick, Cheap Lead-Pipe Replacement Serve As A Model? Like many communities around the country, Newark, New Jersey was beset with outdated, lead-based pipeline infrastructure that had the potential to leech the contaminant directly into drinking water as it traveled to consumers. But now, the city stands as a model for how others can address the problem and leave consumers safe. “A project to fix thousands of lead-contaminated water pipes that threatened the wellbeing of the folks in New Jersey’s largest city is nearly complete, set to be finished years ahead of schedule,” ABC 7 reported. “What started as another dark chapter in Newark’s history has changed to a story of success.”