Press Releases
CAMDEN, N.J. – June 2, 2026 – New Jersey American Water is investing $420,000 to upgrade aging water infrastructure in South Orange, helping to improve service reliability and increase water flows for customers and firefighters. This project is part of the company’s long-term commitment to upgrading aging infrastructure across the more than 190 communities it serves in New Jersey.
The project includes replacing about 800 feet of aging 4-inch and 6-inch cast iron water main, originally installed in 1916, with a new 8-inch ductile iron water main along Lackawanna Place from Valley Street to the dead end. The work also includes replacing 13 utility-owned service lines and upgrading two fire hydrants. As part of a statewide initiative, New Jersey American Water will replace any customer-owned service line identified as lead or galvanized, supporting efforts to remove these materials by 2031.
Work is already underway and is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026. Crews will work Monday through Friday, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Work on weekends is not expected, unless required to maintain the project schedule.
The project will be performed by New Jersey American Water’s qualified contractor, ConQuest, with traffic control coordinated in partnership with local officials to support safe travel around work areas. Access to homes and driveways will be maintained throughout construction. Daily cleanup will occur, and where excavation is required, temporary restoration will be installed. Permanent restoration will follow once the soil has settled, typically about 90 days after project completion.
Customers are encouraged to log in to their MyWater account to update contact information and choose how they wish to receive project notifications. Individuals who are not New Jersey American Water account holders can sign up for alerts at AWCodeRed.com or by texting WATER to 24639.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 875 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Damarah Brown
Sr. External Affairs Specialist
New Jersey American Water
damarah.brown@amwater.com