Middlesex Water Removes PFOA Impacted Wells from Service

Rhea-AI Summary

Middlesex Water Company announced the implementation of an interim plan to ensure water supply meets new PFOA standards by shutting down affected wells. This plan will source water from alternative facilities compliant with all drinking water standards. The company, in collaboration with state regulators, emphasizes ongoing monitoring to meet customer demand while the affected wells remain offline until treatment improvements at the new facility are completed in mid-2023. Customers will receive notifications regarding the status of the wells and the ongoing changes.

Positive

• Implementation of an interim plan to ensure water quality compliance with PFOA standards.
• Alternative water sources are compliant with all state and federal drinking water regulations.

Negative

• Affected wells will remain out of service until mid-2023, potentially impacting water supply during high demand periods.

ISELIN, N.J., Dec. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Middlesex Water Company today announced that it has implemented an interim plan that can produce additional water from its primary surface water treatment plant and other sources to enable the Company to turn off the wells which tested above state limits for the new PFOA standard. The wells have been shut down and the Company is currently replacing that water supply with alternate sources that comply with all state and federal drinking water standards.

“In conjunction with extensive monitoring, testing and hydraulic modeling, we have turned off the wells and are continuing to keep the wells off as we work with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to implement and comply with the change in source water regulatory requirements associated with the interim plan,” said Dennis W. Doll, Middlesex Water Company President & CEO. “We take our role as protectors of public health seriously and firmly believe we earn the trust and confidence of our customers with every drop of water we deliver. We are now publicly announcing that the wells have been turned off,” added Doll.

This interim plan:

• Provides customers with water from alternate sources that complies with all drinking water standards, including the new PFOA standard.
• Seeks to comply with the regulatory requirements associated with a change in water source.
• Will be routinely monitored and evaluated to ensure this approach remains sustainable in the event of emergencies which could disrupt the water supply.
• Intends to keep the affected wellfield out of service until treatment improvements are completed at the new South Plainfield facility in mid-2023.
• Will require ongoing evaluation of additional water consumption scenarios to manage the traditionally high customer demand for water during the summer months.
  

“Since before our water first tested above the new state limits, we have been working diligently on all potential options to provide our customers with peace of mind, both for the short- and long-terms,” said Doll. “We are grateful that our engineering and water quality experts continue to work with our outside consulting partners and regulators to implement this interim plan,” added Doll.

The Company is notifying customers directly by mail of this latest development. It also advises that customers will be receiving another Public Notification in the coming weeks that the wells again tested above permitted PFOA levels. This is because these wells were still on during the earlier part of the fourth quarter of 2021. However, the Company strongly emphasizes that the wells have been shut down and customers are no longer receiving water from that source.

About Middlesex Water Company

Established in 1897, Middlesex Water Company serves as a trusted provider offering life-sustaining high quality water service for residential, commercial, industrial and fire protection purposes. The Company offers a full range of water, wastewater utility and related services. An investor-owned public utility, Middlesex Water is a professional services provider specializing in municipal and industrial contract operations and water and wastewater system technical operations and maintenance. The company and its subsidiaries form the Middlesex Water family of companies, which collectively serve a population of nearly half a million people in New Jersey and Delaware. The Company invests in its people, infrastructure and the communities it serves to support reliable and resilient utility services, economic growth and quality of life.

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

FAQ

What measures is Middlesex Water Company taking regarding PFOA compliance as of December 2021?

Middlesex Water Company has implemented an interim plan that includes shutting down wells exceeding PFOA levels and sourcing water from compliant alternative sources.

When will the affected wells be back in service for Middlesex Water Company?

The affected wells are expected to remain out of service until treatment improvements are completed at the new facility in mid-2023.

How is Middlesex Water Company ensuring water quality for its customers?

The company is actively monitoring and evaluating its interim plan to comply with regulatory requirements and ensure sustainable water supply.

What should customers expect from Middlesex Water Company regarding notifications about water quality?

Customers will receive direct mail notifications and updates regarding the status of the wells and water quality compliance.