Olympian Water Testing™

South Hackensack’s water supply history is closely tied to the development of the Hackensack Water Company, which was chartered in 1869 as one of New Jersey’s first public water supply companies. The company was formed in response to the area’s rapid growth and the need for a reliable public water system, as local wells and cisterns could no longer meet demand. Early infrastructure included a large brick reservoir built on a hill north of Hackensack, with pumping facilities drawing water from the Hackensack River and a network of conduits supplying the village by gravity. Service began in October 1874, marking a major milestone in local water access. For a detailed account of these early developments, see the history of United Water Resources.

As the population continued to grow, the Hackensack Water Company expanded its infrastructure, constructing dams and reservoirs throughout the Hackensack River watershed starting in 1901. These projects, including facilities at Woodcliffe, Oradell, and Clarkstown, enabled the company to supply larger volumes of water to South Hackensack and neighboring communities. The flow of freshwater in the Hackensack River was also reduced by diversion into municipal water systems, reflecting the increasing demand for clean drinking water in the region. More on the evolution of water infrastructure in the Meadowlands can be found in this Meadowlands history article.

By the early 20th century, the Hackensack Water Company operated a sophisticated system of wells, pumping stations, and holding pools along the river, with reservoirs at Weehawken Heights providing a daily capacity of up to 8 million gallons. The water was sourced from Rockland Lake, fed by mountain springs, and delivered through hundreds of miles of force mains and high-service pumps. This infrastructure enabled South Hackensack to transition from local wells to a modern municipal water system. For technical details and historical context, visit the Hackensack New Jersey Waterworks history.

Today, South Hackensack’s water supply is managed by Suez North America (formerly United Water), which continues to invest in infrastructure upgrades and water quality improvements. The legacy of the Hackensack Water Company is evident in the region’s extensive network of reservoirs, pumping stations, and distribution systems, ensuring safe and reliable water for residents and businesses.