Olympian Water Testing™

The North Bergen New Jersey water supply history dates to the area’s early settlement in the 17th century as part of the New Netherland colony. Incorporated as a township in 1843, North Bergen initially relied on well water systems in North Bergen for domestic and agricultural needs, drawing from local groundwater sources amid the Hudson Palisades terrain.

Population surges in the late 19th century, fueled by industrialization and proximity to New York City, necessitated municipal water development in North Bergen, NJ. In 1869, the Hackensack Water Company was founded to serve Bergen County, including North Bergen. Service began in 1874, sourcing from the Hackensack River and early reservoirs, addressing contamination issues in private wells. By 1900, the company expanded with acquisitions like Spring Valley Water Works, enhancing supply reliability.

Further advancements came with the 1916 establishment of the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWSC), which developed the Wanaque Reservoir by 1930 to provide fresh water to 12 counties, including Bergen. This regional system supplemented local efforts, shifting from wells to treated surface water. The Hackensack Water Company, reorganized as United Water Resources in 1983 and later acquired by Suez (now Veolia), continued expansions, adopting filtration and chlorination post-1908.

Today, Veolia supplies treated water to North Bergen’s 63,000 residents from reservoirs like Wanaque and Oradell, ensuring compliance with standards. While some private wells remain, municipal infrastructure dominates. Explore more on the township’s background at the North Bergen Wikipedia page or historical water company details at United Water history.