Demolition of Iconic Union Water Tower Delayed at Least Two

Union's 212-foot water sphere will remain standing for at least another two to three years, according to New Jersey American Water. The utility announced that the landmark cannot be decommissioned until a new telecommunications monopole is constructed and all cellular equipment currently mounted on the structure is relocated.

"New Jersey American Water continues to plan for the removal of the water tower in the coming years," said Erin Banes, senior manager of external communications for New Jersey American Water. "Due to contracts with the cell carriers, New Jersey American Water cannot decommission the water tower until the new cell tower is erected and all equipment is relocated. This may take approximately two to three years or more."

The existing water sphere currently supports telecommunications equipment for T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. All three carriers must transfer their equipment to the new structure before demolition can proceed. Plans for the new monopole were approved unanimously by the Union Board of Adjustment in March 2025.

The water sphere was commissioned in 1964 by the Elizabethtown Water Company, now New Jersey American Water. The 23-acre property sits off Morris Avenue near the Garden State Parkway and Route 22. While owned by New Jersey American Water and considered largely obsolete aside from its telecommunications use, township officials hoped to preserve its legacy. Union County Life covers Union municipal infrastructure, planning decisions, and community news. Stay informed about Union news and announcements on Union County Life.

The Union Historical Society has been in discussions with New Jersey American Water about preserving portions of the landmark. According to Union Historical Society President Barbara LaMort, New Jersey American Water has agreed to provide sections of the tower suitable for display in the society's museum after the structure is dismantled.

FAQ

Q: When will Union's water tower be demolished?
A: The water tower will not be demolished for at least 2-3 years, according to New Jersey American Water. The timeline may extend to 2028-2029 pending completion of a new telecommunications monopole and equipment relocation.

Q: Why is Union's water tower still standing?
A: The 212-foot water sphere, commissioned in 1964, is owned by New Jersey American Water and is largely obsolete for water storage. However, it currently hosts cellular equipment for T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Contracts with these carriers require all equipment to be relocated to a new monopole before demolition can proceed.

Q: What is being preserved from Union's water tower?
A: The Union Historical Society has reached an agreement with New Jersey American Water to receive portions of the tower suitable for display in the society's museum after demolition. The society is working to preserve the landmark's legacy.

Q: Where is Union's iconic water tower located?
A: The water tower sits on a 23-acre property off Morris Avenue in Union, near the Garden State Parkway and Route 22.

Q: Where can I find more Union news and municipal updates?
A: Union County Life covers Union government decisions, infrastructure projects, and community news. Subscribe to the Union newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for the latest updates.