Olympian Water Testing™

The Paterson New Jersey water supply history originated in the late 18th century with the city’s founding in 1792 around the Great Falls of the Passaic River, harnessing waterpower for industry. Early residents relied on the river and private well water systems in Paterson, but rapid industrialization demanded organized supply.

Municipal water development in Paterson, NJ, began with the Paterson Water Company incorporated in 1825, though unbuilt. In 1854, the Passaic Water Company formed, completing its intake below the Great Falls in 1857, pumping river water to reservoirs for distribution. By 1856, water reached parts of the city, with a hydrant contract signed. In 1926, the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) consolidated services, now owning the Little Falls Treatment Plant sourcing from the Passaic River, serving Paterson’s 159,000 residents via filtration and disinfection. Supplements from Wanaque Reservoir address shortages.

Well water systems in Paterson transitioned to minimal use, with private wells regulated under New Jersey’s Private Well Testing Act for contaminants like PFAS and VOCs. Historical pollution from industrial sites prompted groundwater protections. Today, PVWC ensures compliance with NJDEP standards. For details, visit the PVWC history page or Waterworks History site. Check Jersey WaterCheck or EWG database. This reflects Paterson’s adaptation from river reliance to modern treatment amid environmental concerns.