PVWC System Overview

Overview

PVWC supplies high-quality drinking water to almost 800,000 people across four (4) counties in Northern New Jersey: Passaic, Bergen, Essex and Morris. The population served is split between retail cities where PVWC operates and maintains the water distribution pipes in addition to supplying water; and 23 wholesale cities where PVWC supplies water and the distribution systems are operated independently by municipalities or other water utilities. In addition, dozens of interconnectors exist between PVWC’s water distribution system and surrounding water systems to share water resources in the event of planned infrastructure outages for maintenance and capital upgrades or unplanned emergencies.

There are two major water sources: 1) Wanaque Reservoir – treated and conveyed to PVWC by North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWSC); and 2) Passaic River – treated by PVWC at the Little Falls Water Treatment Plant in Totowa, NJ. The total annual average daily flow is 77 million gallons per day (MGD) with 35 MGD provided by NJDWSC and 42 MGD provided by the PVWC Little Falls Treatment Plant (see map below). PVWC also operates the Post Brook groundwater supply and distribution system in West Milford and the High Crest storage tanks feeding part of West Milford.



PVWC’s water distribution system consists of an intricate network of both above ground and buried infrastructure designed to provide reliable, safe clean drinking water to the communities we serve.


Why is our distribution system important?

  • Public Health – Safe, reliable, drinking water is essential for public health
  • Economic Development – Reliable drinking water allows businesses to operate smoothly.
  • Quality of Life – Provides drinking water, sanitation and fire protection – supporting our daily needs and overall well-being.
  • Environmental Protection – An efficient water system minimizes water loss and protects our natural resources.


Our water distribution system consists of various key components, each vital in its own way:

  1. Water Sources: PVWC has two main water sources – the Wanaque Reservoir (treated and conveyed to PVWC by North Jersey District Water Supply Commission which is majority owned by PVWC and Newark) and the Passaic River. PVWC also maintains dozens of interconnections with surrounding water systems, allowing us to share water resources when needed or in the event of an emergency.
  2. Water Treatment Plant: With an annual Average daily flow of 77 million gallons per day, PVWC’s Little Falls Water Treatment Plant (LFWTP) treats Passaic River Water to provide safe drinking water in accordance with EPA and NJDEP drinking water standards.
  3. Pumping Stations: Pump stations move water around our system and help to ensure adequate flows and pressures are maintained throughout the entire system.
  4. Storage Facilities: Water storage facilities (tanks and reservoirs) store treated water and help to maintain the system water pressure. Storage facilities are vital to ensure supply during peak water use periods and emergencies.
  5. Distribution Pipes: The underground piping network consists of transmission mains (larger diameter pipes), distribution pipes and smaller service lines. The large transmission mains move the treated water from the LFWTP to the distribution pipes which bring water into our neighborhoods and finally into the individual service lines feeding the homes and businesses within our communities.
  6. Valves and Hydrants: Valves are crucial in helping us to control the flow in the system and allow us to perform maintenance and repairs. Fire hydrants are connected to the distribution network and provide water for firefighting services.
  7. Meters and Sensors: Meters measure water usage at various points in the system, including at the customer level. Accurate water usage allows us to plan for capital improvement projects and also allows us to identify leaks within the system. Sensors monitor water quality and pressure data, allowing our operators to ensure the system operates efficiently.


Overview

PVWC supplies high-quality drinking water to almost 800,000 people across four (4) counties in Northern New Jersey: Passaic, Bergen, Essex and Morris. The population served is split between retail cities where PVWC operates and maintains the water distribution pipes in addition to supplying water; and 23 wholesale cities where PVWC supplies water and the distribution systems are operated independently by municipalities or other water utilities. In addition, dozens of interconnectors exist between PVWC’s water distribution system and surrounding water systems to share water resources in the event of planned infrastructure outages for maintenance and capital upgrades or unplanned emergencies.

There are two major water sources: 1) Wanaque Reservoir – treated and conveyed to PVWC by North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWSC); and 2) Passaic River – treated by PVWC at the Little Falls Water Treatment Plant in Totowa, NJ. The total annual average daily flow is 77 million gallons per day (MGD) with 35 MGD provided by NJDWSC and 42 MGD provided by the PVWC Little Falls Treatment Plant (see map below). PVWC also operates the Post Brook groundwater supply and distribution system in West Milford and the High Crest storage tanks feeding part of West Milford.



PVWC’s water distribution system consists of an intricate network of both above ground and buried infrastructure designed to provide reliable, safe clean drinking water to the communities we serve.


Why is our distribution system important?

  • Public Health – Safe, reliable, drinking water is essential for public health
  • Economic Development – Reliable drinking water allows businesses to operate smoothly.
  • Quality of Life – Provides drinking water, sanitation and fire protection – supporting our daily needs and overall well-being.
  • Environmental Protection – An efficient water system minimizes water loss and protects our natural resources.


Our water distribution system consists of various key components, each vital in its own way:

  1. Water Sources: PVWC has two main water sources – the Wanaque Reservoir (treated and conveyed to PVWC by North Jersey District Water Supply Commission which is majority owned by PVWC and Newark) and the Passaic River. PVWC also maintains dozens of interconnections with surrounding water systems, allowing us to share water resources when needed or in the event of an emergency.
  2. Water Treatment Plant: With an annual Average daily flow of 77 million gallons per day, PVWC’s Little Falls Water Treatment Plant (LFWTP) treats Passaic River Water to provide safe drinking water in accordance with EPA and NJDEP drinking water standards.
  3. Pumping Stations: Pump stations move water around our system and help to ensure adequate flows and pressures are maintained throughout the entire system.
  4. Storage Facilities: Water storage facilities (tanks and reservoirs) store treated water and help to maintain the system water pressure. Storage facilities are vital to ensure supply during peak water use periods and emergencies.
  5. Distribution Pipes: The underground piping network consists of transmission mains (larger diameter pipes), distribution pipes and smaller service lines. The large transmission mains move the treated water from the LFWTP to the distribution pipes which bring water into our neighborhoods and finally into the individual service lines feeding the homes and businesses within our communities.
  6. Valves and Hydrants: Valves are crucial in helping us to control the flow in the system and allow us to perform maintenance and repairs. Fire hydrants are connected to the distribution network and provide water for firefighting services.
  7. Meters and Sensors: Meters measure water usage at various points in the system, including at the customer level. Accurate water usage allows us to plan for capital improvement projects and also allows us to identify leaks within the system. Sensors monitor water quality and pressure data, allowing our operators to ensure the system operates efficiently.