Olympian Water Testing™

Carteret, NJ, located in Middlesex County along the Arthur Kill, has a water supply history rooted in its evolution from a Lenape settlement to an industrial hub. Originally known as Smoking Point, the area relied on the Rahway River and private wells for water in the 17th century, as European settlers, including the Dutch and English, established farms. The Borough of Carteret, incorporated in 1906 as Roosevelt and renamed in 1922, saw early water use tied to agriculture and small-scale industry along the Blazing Star waterfront.

Industrial growth in the late 19th century, with companies like Canda Manufacturing and U.S. Metals Refining, increased water demands. By the early 20th century, Carteret’s population grew from 5,785 in 1910 to 25,326 by 2020, necessitating a municipal water system. The Middlesex Water Company became the primary provider, sourcing water from the Delaware and Raritan Canal and groundwater wells. In 2019, a $10 million investment under the RENEW Program replaced 4 miles of aging water mains, improving service reliability. Municipal water development in Middlesex County has since focused on treating contaminants like PFAS, with a $52 million plant operational by 2023. While well water systems in Carteret persist in some areas, the borough’s modern infrastructure ensures safe drinking water for most residents, reflecting its industrial and environmental progress.