Olympian Water Testing™

The Orange New Jersey water supply history commenced with its incorporation as a township in 1806 from Newark, becoming a city in 1872. Early residents depended on private well water systems in Orange, tapping local groundwater, alongside surface sources like the Rahway River. Attempts to organize supply included the 1833 Orange Aqueduct Company and 1865 Orange Water Company, but neither constructed systems.

Municipal water development in Orange, NJ, materialized in 1883 when the city built its water works, distributing gravity-fed water from an elevated reservoir on the West Rahway River, filtered with sponge and charcoal. By the early 20th century, the system shifted to groundwater wells due to growth and contamination risks. Today, the Orange Water Department purchases treated surface water, primarily from the Passaic River via suppliers like SUEZ, serving over 30,000 residents. The department contracts with SUEZ for maintenance.

Well water systems in Orange faced challenges in 1985 when VOCs like TCE and PCE were detected in municipal wells, leading to the Orange Valley Regional Groundwater Superfund site designation in 2003. Remediation includes groundwater extraction and treatment. Private wells are rare now, with PFAS concerns prompting statewide testing. This progression emphasizes safety amid urbanization and environmental threats.