NJ American Water Begins $1.6 Million Infrastructure Upgrade

New Jersey American Water will be making $1.6 million in water system upgrades throughout Springfield, beginning the week of August 24, 2026. The project is designed to enhance service reliability and improve water flow for customers and firefighters.

Project Scope and Infrastructure Improvements

Crews will replace roughly a half-mile of older water main with new 8-inch ductile iron pipe, along with three fire hydrants and 74 customer service lines. The comprehensive infrastructure upgrade addresses aging water distribution systems and improves municipal water capacity.

Lead and Galvanized Pipe Replacement Initiative

If lead or galvanized piping is found, the company will work with property owners to replace the entire service line from curb to home as part of a statewide initiative to remove such materials by 2031. The statewide lead removal initiative reflects New Jersey commitment to water safety and public health protection.

Project Location and Service Areas

Work will take place on Colfax Road from Short Hills Avenue to Denham Road, Denham Road from Morrison Road to the dead end, and Donna Road from Denham Road to the dead end. The multi-street project affects three road segments requiring coordinated infrastructure replacement.

Construction Timeline and Schedule

Construction is expected to continue through late October, with crews working Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekend work will occur only if necessary to maintain the schedule. The three-month project timeline allows phased infrastructure replacement while minimizing extended disruption.

Contractor and Project Management

CRJ Contracting Corp. will perform the work for New Jersey American Water. Contractor selection reflects municipal and utility procurement processes.

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Traffic Control and Access Management

Traffic control will be coordinated with local officials, and access to homes and driveways will be maintained throughout construction. Traffic management coordination protects public safety and maintains community access.

Temporary and Permanent Restoration

Temporary restoration will be installed where excavation is required, with permanent restoration following once the soil settles, typically about 90 days after completion. The phased restoration process ensures proper ground settlement before permanent pavement installation.

Water System Reliability and Fire Protection

Enhanced water flow supports improved fire protection capacity and emergency response. Upgraded water distribution systems improve residential and commercial service reliability.

Aging Infrastructure and Service Improvement

Replacement of older water main with modern ductile iron pipe reflects ongoing municipal infrastructure modernization. Aging infrastructure replacement improves system efficiency and reduces service interruptions.

Lead Removal and Public Health

Lead pipe replacement protects public health by eliminating lead exposure through drinking water. Statewide lead removal initiative addresses long-term water safety and residential health protection.

Service Line Replacement and Customer Investment

Customer service line replacement (74 lines) improves individual household water quality and service reliability. Service line upgrades support residential water quality standards.

Fire Hydrant Improvements

Three fire hydrant replacements support emergency response capacity and firefighter operational capability. Hydrant improvements enable adequate water supply for fire suppression.

For Springfield Residents and Businesses

Springfield residents and businesses should expect construction activity, temporary traffic control, and temporary restoration on affected roads through late October. Access to homes and driveways will be maintained throughout construction.

Residents should contact New Jersey American Water with questions about construction impacts, service interruptions, or lead service line replacement participation.

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FAQ

Q: When does the water system upgrade begin in Springfield?
A: New Jersey American Water begins the project the week of August 24, 2026, and continues through late October 2026.

Q: What work is included in the upgrade?
A: The project includes replacing half-mile of water main with 8-inch ductile iron pipe, installing 3 fire hydrants, replacing 74 customer service lines, and replacing lead or galvanized piping if found.

Q: Where in Springfield will the work occur?
A: Work will take place on Colfax Road (Short Hills Avenue to Denham Road), Denham Road (Morrison Road to the dead end), and Donna Road (Denham Road to the dead end).

Q: What are the construction hours?
A: Crews work Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekend work occurs only if necessary to maintain schedule.

Q: How much is the project costing?
A: The project costs $1.6 million.

Q: What is the lead removal initiative?
A: New Jersey American Water is replacing lead and galvanized piping from curb to home as part of a statewide initiative to remove these materials by 2031.

Q: Will my access be affected?
A: Access to homes and driveways will be maintained throughout construction. Traffic control will be coordinated with local officials.

Q: When will permanent restoration occur?
A: Permanent restoration follows temporary restoration, typically about 90 days after soil settles.