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Feds Sue NJ Water Commission Over Uncovered Reservoirs
18 Aug
Summary
- Water system failure since 2009 leads to contamination.
- Nearly a million people are served by three uncovered reservoirs.
- Lawsuit seeks to compel reservoir covering or water treatment.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office have initiated a federal lawsuit against the Passaic Valley Water Commission. The commission is accused of violating the Safe Drinking Water Act by failing to protect and treat water from three key reservoirs.
These reservoirs supply drinking water to approximately 800,000 residents across several North Jersey municipalities and 22 wholesale customers. The lawsuit contends that since at least 2009, the commission has neglected to cover the reservoirs, allowing stormwater runoff and animal waste to contaminate the water supply.
This ongoing failure has resulted in periodic contamination, elevated lead levels, and potential exposure to viruses and parasites. The legal action seeks a court order to compel the commission to cover the reservoirs or implement proper water treatment, alongside public notification and penalties for noncompliance.
