Middlesex Water Company Unveils $9.7 Million Initiative to Enhance Water Infrastructure in Woodbridge

Rhea-AI Summary

Middlesex Water Company is initiating a $9.7 million project to upgrade Woodbridge, NJ’s drinking water infrastructure, starting June 2024. The initiative, part of the RENEW program, will update 18,550 linear feet of water mains, service lines, valves, and hydrants. Additionally, the 'Knocking Out Lead' program aims to replace lead and galvanized steel service lines, aligning with New Jersey’s mandate to replace all such lines by 2031, at no direct cost to qualifying customers. This is the 29th year of the RENEW program, aiming to maintain system resiliency and protect public health. The project is expected to complete in 8-9 months, with road restoration by spring 2025. Weekly updates will be provided online, and temporary water outages will be communicated in advance.

Positive

• Middlesex Water is investing $9.7 million to upgrade local water infrastructure.
• The project will replace 18,550 linear feet of water mains, valves, and hydrants.
• The 'Knocking Out Lead' program aligns with state mandates to eliminate lead service lines by 2031.
• No direct cost to customers meeting criteria for lead and galvanized line replacement.
• 29th year of the RENEW program, showing long-term commitment to infrastructure improvement.
• Meter pits installation will enhance convenience and safety for customers.

Negative

• Temporary service outages of 6-8 hours during service line transfers may inconvenience customers.
• Potential traffic disruptions during infrastructure upgrades.
• Project completion is expected to take 8-9 months, with road restoration only in spring 2025.

Effort Includes Identifying Lead Service Lines for Replacement on Customer-Owned Properties

ISELIN, N.J., June 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex) is launching a $9.7 million project to upgrade Woodbridge, New Jersey’s drinking water infrastructure. Starting in June 2024, the Company’s RENEW initiative will revamp 18,550 linear feet of water mains, including service lines, valves, and hydrants.

Integrated with RENEW, Middlesex's "Knocking Out Lead" program aims to eliminate lead or galvanized steel service lines. This aligns with New Jersey's legislation to replace all such lines by 2031. There is no direct cost to customers who meet the criteria for lead and galvanized water line replacement. Those identified lead service lines will be scheduled for future replacement.

"This is the 29th year of our RENEW Program, where we methodically work, each year in a different neighborhood, to maintain system resiliency and protect public health by strategically upgrading water infrastructure,” said Jan Chwiedosiuk, Director of Distribution

The entire listing of streets with planned upgrades, scope of project, along with weekly progress updates will be available on www.waterfortomorrowmwc.com/renew, with lead initiative details at www.middlesexwater.com/customer-care/get-the-lead-out.

RENEW aims for completion in 8-9 months, with road restoration in spring 2025. While minimizing traffic disruptions, temporary service outages may occur, communicated in advance. Meter pits will also be installed for exterior meter placement, enhancing convenience and safety.

Customers can expect 6-8 hour water outages during service line transfers, with timely notifications provided. For inquiries, contact Middlesex Water's Customer Service at 800-549-3802.

About Middlesex Water Company

Established in 1897, Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX) serves as a trusted provider of life-sustaining high quality water service for residential, commercial, industrial and fire protection purposes. The Company and its subsidiaries form the Middlesex family of companies, which collectively serve a population of nearly half a million people in New Jersey and Delaware. We offer a full range of water, wastewater utility and related services including municipal and industrial contract operations and water and wastewater system technical operations and maintenance. We are focused on meeting and balancing the needs of our employees, customers, and shareholders. We invest in our people, our infrastructure and the communities we serve to support reliable and resilient utility services, economic growth and quality of life. 

Media Contact:
Bernadette Sohler, Vice President – Corporate Affairs
Middlesex Water Company
(732) 638-7549
bsohler@middlesexwater.com

FAQ

What is the Middlesex Water Company's RENEW initiative?

The RENEW initiative is a long-term project aimed at upgrading water infrastructure in various neighborhoods, enhancing system resiliency and public health.

How much is Middlesex Water investing in the Woodbridge infrastructure upgrade?

Middlesex Water is investing $9.7 million in the Woodbridge infrastructure upgrade.

What does the 'Knocking Out Lead' program entail?

The 'Knocking Out Lead' program aims to replace lead and galvanized steel service lines in Woodbridge, NJ, as part of the RENEW initiative.

When will the Middlesex Water infrastructure project in Woodbridge start and end?

The project will start in June 2024 and is expected to complete in 8-9 months, with road restoration by spring 2025.

Will customers incur costs for the lead service line replacement?

There will be no direct cost to customers who meet the criteria for lead and galvanized water line replacement.