Upgrade Aging Water Pipes in Garwood, Cranford to Be Refurbished or Replaced

Nearly four miles of aging water mains in Cranford and Garwood will either be restored from within or replaced, New Jersey American Water announced Monday.

The water company said a project to clean and line pipes along numerous streets in the two towns launches this week. According to officials, the work is long overdue—some of the targeted water mains date back to the late 1800s and are at the end of their useful life. 

Officials said the project involves removing sediment from the 6-inch diameter and 12-inch  diameter unlined cast iron mains, and lining the inside of the water mains with cement. The goal is to fortify the pipes and extend their use for many more years, giving customers increased water pressure, improved water quality and enhanced fire service. 

“Cleaning and lining can be efficient and effective in restoring these pipes that were installed around the time of the first automobiles,” said Suzanne Chiavari, vice president of engineering at New Jersey American Water.  “About 15 percent of New Jersey American Water’s sewer or water mains are more than 100 years old. We are working to replace or rehabilitate these pipes to provide high quality water service for the next 100 years.” 

During the cleaning and lining process, water service will not be interrupted to residents on the impacted streets. New Jersey American Water will, however, install aboveground “bypass” water lines to serve its customers while the primary water main is shut down. As part of the project, the company will also replace fire hydrants, valves, and any galvanized iron service lines, officials caid.

The work schedule will be Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The following streets will be impacted:

• 4th Avenue in Garwood 
• Balmiere Parkway 
• Balmiere Road North 
• Balmiere Road South 
• Brookside Place 
• Centennial Avenue
• Central Avenue
• Crescent Place 
• Doering Way 
• Elizabeth Avenue
• Hampton Road
• Lincoln Park East 
• Linden Place 
• Orange Avenue
• Orchard Street 
• Park Drive
• Riverside 
• Romore Place 
• Springfield Avenue 
• West End Place