Critics of New Jersey's high taxes say residents have to pony up for everything but the kitchen sink.

Well, the kitchen sink could soon be added to that.

A state lawmaker is proposing a tax on tap water to revamp New Jersey's aging pipelines.

State Sen. Bob Smith, D-Middlesex, says water pipelines across the state are old, they're decaying, they pose a serious health risk and the issue is getting worse.

"There is a big problem and it is a problem that affects your health, your kid's health and your grandchildren's health," Smith said.

He introduced legislation that would impose a 10-cent tax on every 1,000 gallons consumed, which Smith estimates would cost the average New Jersey household about $32 a year and would net the state about $150 million annually.

The money would be used to repair and replace aging infrastructure.

"Flint Michigan is an example of what happens when you allow your water (system) to deteriorate," Smith said, referring to the city's lead poisoning crisis.

"I think we can begin that public discussion and hopefully get a consensus that the public thinks it is the right thing to do," he said. "You can pay me now or you can pay me a lot more later."

About 350,000 homes and businesses in the state are serviced by lead service lines, according to the findings of a report the Legislature commissioned to assess the state's water infrastructure.

Dangerous toxic metals aside, New Jersey cities are built atop pipes that date back to the 19th century.

In Hoboken, for example, the city is still running on some pipes that were installed in 1857, 1869 and 1897, according to the Legislature's report. The city has experienced about 20 water main breaks a year since 2000.

The bill has a ways to go before it hits Gov. Phil Murphy's desk. It's yet to go through a committee in either the state Senate or Assembly.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook.