Olympian Water Testing™

The story of water in Edison Township reflects a classic suburban evolution, from a landscape dotted with private wells to a modern, publicly managed utility. For much of its history, residents in what was then Raritan Township relied on individual private wells to draw groundwater for their homes and farms. This self-sufficient model was common before the large-scale infrastructure projects that accompanied the area’s rapid post-war growth.

As the population boomed, the need for a centralized, reliable public water system became clear. For many years, this service was provided by a private company, New Jersey American Water. However, a pivotal moment in the township’s water history occurred in September 2019, when residents voted in a public referendum to take local control of the water system. This led to the creation of the Edison Water Utility, which now manages the financial and operational aspects of the water distribution network.

Today, while the Edison Water Utility oversees the infrastructure, the drinking water itself is supplied by a regional purveyor, the Middlesex Water Company. This two-tiered system ensures that water is professionally treated to meet or exceed all safety standards before it enters the local pipes. Although the vast majority of the township is connected to this public supply, the legacy of private wells continues. These remaining wells are regulated under state laws like the New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (PWTA), which mandates water quality testing during real estate transactions, ensuring the safety of these independent water sources.