Olympian Water Testing™

The story of Dunellen’s water infrastructure is a compelling narrative of adaptation, reflecting its growth from a small 19th-century village into a modern suburban community. The early history of Dunellen’s water supply began as it did in most developing American towns: with a reliance on private wells. When the borough was first established in 1868, each household and farm was responsible for its own water, drawing from the natural groundwater sources beneath the community. This system of individual well water in Dunellen was sufficient for a time, but as the population grew, so did the challenges of ensuring a consistent and safe water source for everyone.

As the community expanded, the need for a more organized approach to public services became apparent, leading to the creation of the Department of Public Works. This marked a pivotal moment in the municipal water development in Middlesex County, as the borough began to transition away from private wells toward a more centralized infrastructure. While the initial focus was on basic public services, the management of water and wastewater became increasingly important. On the wastewater side, a significant evolution occurred with the formation of the Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority (PARSA) in 1995. This authority took over a system that had been in place since 1913, creating a modern, regional solution to serve Dunellen and seven other municipalities, ensuring efficient and environmentally sound wastewater management.

Today, the drinking water for the borough is supplied by New Jersey American Water, a utility with a long history of managing water systems across the state. This partnership ensures that the Dunellen NJ water supply meets all modern quality and safety standards. The water is rigorously tested and treated under the oversight of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), which regulates all public water systems. This evolution from private wells to a professionally managed public utility and a regional wastewater authority demonstrates a long-standing commitment to the health and well-being of the Dunellen community, securing a reliable water future for generations to come.