Olympian Water Testing™

Millstone, New Jersey’s water infrastructure is intrinsically tied to the Millstone River, a 38.6-mile tributary of the Raritan River that has played a crucial role in the region’s development since colonial times. The river, which begins in western Monmouth County and flows through multiple counties including Somerset, has historically served as both a natural resource and a commercial waterway.

The Millstone River has significant importance for water supply in central New Jersey. A water intake pumping station is located at the confluence of the Millstone and Raritan Rivers, where New Jersey American Water draws water that is then purified and distributed to thousands of households and businesses throughout the region. This water source is vital to the area’s drinking water infrastructure and represents a key component of central New Jersey’s water management system.

The river’s commercial history dates back to early colonial times when it served as part of a crucial transportation route between New York City and Philadelphia. While stage coaches initially connected these major cities via a direct route from South Amboy to Bordentown, the development of canal systems later utilized the Millstone River’s natural path. The Delaware and Raritan Canal runs parallel to the Millstone River for almost three-quarters of its length, from Lake Carnegie near Princeton to where the river joins the Raritan River.

A significant infrastructure development for the region is the Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant, operated by New Jersey American Water. This facility, located in Somerset County, is the company’s largest water production facility and serves as a regional source of potable water for all or parts of seven counties in central New Jersey. The plant has undergone substantial modernization, including a $37 million flood protection project that was completed to safeguard this critical infrastructure. As a Tier 1 New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness facility, it is considered "critical infrastructure" by the federal Department of Homeland Security.

The Millstone River basin has experienced several severe flooding events over the past two centuries, with particularly devastating floods occurring during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Irene in 2011. These events have prompted studies by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to evaluate flood risk management options, though economic feasibility has been a challenge for implementing comprehensive solutions.

Today, Millstone Township continues to rely on this historic river system for its water needs, with modern infrastructure managed by Millstone Township and regional water authorities ensuring clean, reliable water service while addressing the challenges of flood management and environmental protection.