Water Alert for Reservoir Draining

FROM THE CITY:

The City of Newark will start draining the Cedar Grove Reservoir today Wednesday, October 5, 2011 to correct leakage, repair corrosion damage, and inspect the reservoir's outlet conduits. During the time period when the reservoir is drained, residents may notice a discoloration and a change in the taste of their water, but it will still be safe to drink.

On October 5, Newark water supply transmission aqueducts will be disconnected from Cedar Grove reservoir and connected to Passaic Valley Water Commission's Great Notch reservoir, which also is a treated water storage reservoir like Cedar Grove reservoir. Cedar Grove reservoir will be drained to be able to repair a leak on the outlet tunnel and corrosion damage to the 60 inch main and to install a new valve on the 60 inch main. The process of refilling the Cedar Grove reservoir and putting it back on line may take three to four months. During this time, Great Notch reservoir will function as the balancing reservoir for Newark water supply to main consumption demand and pressure in the Pequannock level distribution system, which includes Newark's North, Central, West and South Wards, Bloomfield, Belleville and East Orange. The only time water from the Great Notch reservoir will be used is when the demand is higher than the flow through Pequannock aqueducts, which is very minimal.

Discoloration may result as valves are opened and closed during the procedure, which could cause materials in the pipes to loosen and become visible in the water. This is the same as when fire hydrants are opened and the increase in velocity or change in normal flow patterns produce discoloration of the water. Newark is taking every measure to minimize this occurrence, but if discoloration or slight change in taste should occur, the City advises customers to run the water until it is clear.

If you have questions or experience any problem with your water supply, or if the water quality does not resolve after running the water, please contact the Division of Water and Sewer Utilities at (973) 733-3654. For more information about all City of Newark programs, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311

TIPS & IMPORTANT POINTS DURING THE FIRST DAYS OF SWITCHOVER STARTING OCTOBER 5, 2011

- It is anticipated that any possible changes in taste and/or color will be limited to the first few days of the switchover.
- Residents may notice discoloration and change in the taste of water, but it will still be safe to drink.
- If discoloration or slight change in taste should occur, the City advises customers to run the water until it is clear.
- Care should be taken when washing clothes, as discolored water could discolor the clothes.
- As of now, a Boil Water Advisory is NOT in effect.
- Water samples are taken daily and tested for compliance with all safe drinking water standards.
- Newark is working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to establish an enhanced monitoring program during this time to ensure the quality of residents' water.
- There will be no drop-off in water supply or quality.

Affected Areas:
- The temporary switchover to Great Notch Reservoir will impact: NEWARK, BELLEVILLE, BLOOMFIELD, EAST ORANGE, and NUTLEY.
- The water during this switchover will be supplied to Newark residents in the entire West Ward, and much of the North, Central, and South Ward.

Area NOT Affected: - The work WILL NOT affect the East Ward of Newark, which draws its water from the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission.