Full Notification

Baker Street Water Main replacement project update New Jersey American Water is replacing approximately 2,100 feet of aging 8-inch cast iron water main that was installed in the 1900s with new 16-inch ductile iron main along Baker Street (from Ridgewood Road to Maplewood Avenue and from Dunnell Road to Burnet Street). The project also includes replacing five fire hydrants and 14 utility-owned service lines along the pipeline route (see reverse for more information about service lines). We’re also installing meter pits at the curb area (in our right of way) of properties where none exist. After installation, all that will be visible is a 15-inch circular cover that will be flush with the ground. The project represents a critical investment for the company in support of our commitment to provide customers with safe, reliable water service. PROJECT START/ END AND WORK HOURS Our local, qualified contractor, CRJ Contracting, Inc. began the first phase of the project (from Ridgewood Road to Maplewood Avenue) in mid-May and is scheduled to begin the second phase of the project (from Dunnell Road to Burnet Street) on or about September 19. Work is expected to take approximately two weeks and hours will be at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, September 19 through Friday, September 23. Work hours will shift to daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, September 26 and Tuesday, September 27, then continue through the night on Tuesday from8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Final street restorations will be completed in fall of 2022. ACCESS TO THE METER Once the meter pits are installed, and the entire project is complete, we’ll contact you to set up an appointment to move the meter from inside the property to the meter pit. To perform this work, we’ll need to gain access to the existing water meter located inside your property, so we may relocate it to the new meter pit. There is no cost to you to have this work performed. The relocation of the meter should take approximately 20–30 minutes. HOW TO PREPARE To prepare for the removal of the meter from inside your property, we ask that you clear the area to the water meter for safe and easy access. During the process of the meter relocation the water service will be interrupted for a few minutes. PROJECT OVERVIEW AND WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT • Install, disinfect, test and place new main into service. While we interconnect the new main to distribution system, customers may experience a temporary service interruption. Customers may also experience a slight discoloration of water. If this happens, run the water until it is clear. • Replace utility-owned service lines and transfer customers to the new main. Once the main is installed, we’ll return to connect customers to the new main. This may involve replacing utility-owned service lines. If we’re replacing the utility-owned service line at your property, typically there is a 30- and 60-minute interruption of service while the contractor connects the new service line. We’ll attempt to notify customers 24 hours in advance. We’ll also notify you on the day the service line is replaced with instructions on how to flush your household plumbing prior to using water. It is important that you read and follow these instructions. If you’re not home, we’ll leave the instructions at your front door. You may want to consider storing a few gallons of water for drinking and cooking during the service line work. • Perform final paving and any restoration of concrete, driveway, grass and landscaping. Our crews will work as quickly as possible to shorten the length of these temporary inconveniences. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this project.