Olympian Water Testing™

The history of water in East Orange is a story of foresight and independence. Unlike many of its neighbors that rely on regional suppliers, the city established its own municipal water system over a century ago. The journey began in 1903 with the East Orange Water Department, which was formally established as the East Orange Water Commission by a citizen referendum in 1909. This early commitment to a self-managed utility was driven by the need to provide a reliable source of potable water for a rapidly growing population.

The source of East Orange’s water is as unique as its history. The city draws its water from the vast Passaic Aquifer, a massive underground water source created during the last Ice Age. The water is sourced from 18 wells located across four well fields within the 2,300-acre East Orange Water Reserve, an area spanning parts of Millburn, Livingston, and Florham Park. This groundwater is naturally filtered and protected, contributing to its high quality. The first of these well fields, Canoe Brook, became operational in 1905, marking a major step in the city’s municipal water development.

From the wells, the water is sent to the White Oak Ridge Pumping Station for treatment before being pumped to an underground reservoir in Maplewood. From there, it flows by gravity to the homes and businesses of East Orange’s 65,000 residents. According to the city’s historical records, the water is never exposed to daylight until it reaches the consumer’s tap, which helps maintain its purity and coolness. This long-standing, self-sufficient system, showcases a remarkable dedication to controlling and protecting a vital local resource.