Newark Mayor Ras Baraka says lead levels in the city's water are now back in line with what the federal government allows, and have dropped below exceedance levels.

Almost 13,000 of Newark's nearly 19,000 lead lines have been replaced. Samples were taken from more than 170 different locations.

"It took us about three years to get to a point where we have begun testing in our levels are showing PPB below 15,” says Baraka. “That is a significant milestone for us in the city. This is not an opportunity for us to say the lead issue in Newark is finished, however it is our opportunity to share good news in the spirit of the craziness that has been going on for a long time."

The lead level numbers must be confirmed and approved by the NJ DEP, but still, the mayor calls the announcement a sign of real progress since it all began two years ago.

Since then, drinking water across the city took a hit, leading to protests of people demanding water. City officials handed out thousands of water bottles over the last year.

While the announcement is progress, Baraka says the city isn't in the clear just yet. Residents who still have lead service lines are urged to flush and filter the water before using it.

The remaining lines are expected to be replaced by next summer.