Middlesex Water is pleased to inform you
that the quality of water it delivers meets or is better than drinking
water quality standards set by state and federal regulations. Since
1897, Middlesex Water has worked to provide customers with an abundant
supply of safe drinking water. The test results highlighted in our most
recent Water Quality report demonstrate that Middlesex Water's tradition
of quality service continues today.
The Source of Your Water Supply
Middlesex Water Company provides its customers an average of 48 million
gallons of water each day. The Company utilizes both surface and
groundwater supplies. The principal source of surface supply is the
Delaware and Raritan Canal, owned by the State of New Jersey and
operated by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. This supply may be
supplemented by water in the Round Valley and Spruce Run Reservoir
System. Groundwater sources (32 wells in South Plainfield, NJ and
Edison, NJ) in the Brunswick Aquifer, provide for about 25% of the
Company's water supply.
The
Treatment Process
Different treatment is used depending on the source of your water.
Groundwater: Groundwater taken from wells has been filtered through soil
and gravel, so it is usually quite free of particles. In some instances,
groundwater may be treated to remove iron and other minerals, but
extensive treatment is seldom required. Chlorine is routinely added to
destroy any harmful bacteria.
Surface Water: Surface water undergoes a multiple barrier approach that
involves coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. Please
see the Company's latest Water Quality Report for additional
information.
1.
Coagulation:
Ferric Chloride
and other chemicals are added to water to form tiny sticky particles
called “floc” which attract the dirt particles.
2.
Sedimentation:
The heavy
particles (floc) settle to the bottom and clear water moves to
filtration.
3. Filtration:
The water passes
through filters that help to remove even smaller particles.
4. Disinfection:
A small amount
of chlorine is added to kill any bacteria or microorganisms that may
be in the water.
5. Storage:
Water is placed
in a closed tank or reservoir where it flows through pipes to homes
and businesses in the community.
The water is sampled and tested throughout the treatment plant. Sampling
is performed to make sure the processes are working and that the water
is safe before it leaves the plant. In North America, governments have
set standards for drinking water. When water leaves a treatment plant,
it is as clean or cleaner than required by these standards. |
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A Word of Caution
Our treatment systems are designed and operated to produce water that is
in compliance with all state and federal primary drinking water
standards. Some naturally occurring organisms commonly found in the
natural water supplies may not be eliminated during the treatment
process. This means that even a well-run system may contain low levels
of microscopic organisms. The levels, however, are normally of little
concern to healthy individuals. It should be noted, however, that under
certain circumstances, these organisms might amplify to dangerous levels
within a customer's own water supply system. All customers, and in
particular, operators of institutions (schools, hospitals,
hotels/motels) and other large facilities, should follow appropriate
procedures for maintaining their own plumbing systems. If you have
concerns about these matters, additional information and guidance may be
obtained from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
(Please refer to our Annual Water Quality report for additional
information.)
A Message for People with Compromised Immune Systems
Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking
water than the general population and have special needs regarding water
quality. Immuno-compromised individuals such as persons with cancer
undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants,
people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and
infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These individuals
should seek advice about drinking water from their health care
providers. EPA Guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of
infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are
available from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
Partnership For Safe Drinking Water
Middlesex Water
Company has received a national award for maintaining an elite status of
FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS in the Partnership for Safe Drinking Water, a
national volunteer initiative that seeks to help water suppliers improve
local water treatment and water quality. The Directors Award is
presented to water systems that have completed a successful review in
the Partnership Self-Assessment and Peer Review Phase in which utilities
examine the capabilities of their treatment plant operation and
administration and then create a plan for implementing improvements.
Middlesex is one of only 34 water utilities across the country which has
achieved this honor for five consecutive years.
The Company also serves as an active member of the following
organizations:
- American Water Works Association
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American Water Works Research Foundation
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The New Jersey Clean Water Council
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The National Association of Water Companies
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The New Jersey DEP Water Supply Advisory Council
-
The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin
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