Livingston Twp Div of Water

Livingston Township's water supply comes from fourteen production wells within the Township and water purchased from New Jersey American Water (NJAW). The NJAW supply is a blend from various sources including groundwater from Brunswick Shale Formations, the Buried Valley Aquifer System, Gneiss Rock Formations, and surface water from Canoe Brook Reservoirs, Passaic River, Raritan River and the Wanaque Reservoir.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has completed and issued Source Water Assessment Reports for both water systems, available at NJ.gov/dep/swap or by contacting NJDEP's Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at (609) 292-5550. You may also contact Livingston's water system directly for information about these assessments.

If you have questions about your water quality, please contact the Township of Livingston Water Division at 973-535-7951 or visit 357 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039. We encourage residents to stay informed about their water supply. Township Council meetings at the Municipal Building provide opportunities to learn more - meeting schedules are available at www.LivingstonNJ.org.

Sources of municipal water (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive material, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, livestock operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, which may occur naturally or result from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban storm runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure tap water safety. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent protection.

Utility Billing FAQ

1. Moving in or out of property? Notify the Utility Billing Department before your final date. We'll send a meter reader on your final day to take a reading for the previous owner/tenant to calculate their final bill.
2. Why am I being billed? Residential and business services include water, sewer, irrigation water, recycling, storm sewer and streetlights. Your utility fees fund these essential services.
3. Billing frequency? All customers receive quarterly bills based on property location. The city is divided into three sections, with a different section billed each month.
4. Why is my bill unusually high? Consider recent activities like:
   • New sod/lawn installation
   • Pool filling
   • Sprinkler system usage/lawn watering
   • Changes in household occupancy
   If none apply, check for leaks. Unfortunately, adjustments cannot be made for wasted water.
5. How to check for leaks:
   • Locate your water meter (typically in the basement)
   • Find the leak indicator (small red diamond-shaped hand)
   • Ensure no water is running anywhere, then watch the red hand
   • Movement indicates a leak
   • Check toilets first (most common source of leaks)
   • Verify water softener operation
   • For slow leaks, read the meter before and after a period of no water use
   Repair leaks promptly to avoid water waste and higher bills.
6. Will I be charged sewer fees for outdoor water use? No. Sewer charges are capped based on your winter usage patterns.
7. Why am I billed for recycling? This fee helps offset program costs and applies to both occupied and vacant properties.
8. Why am I billed for streetlights and storm drains? These fees cover maintenance, improvements and replacements. Costs are shared by all residents based on property type, street lighting configuration, and public/private road status.
9. Should I notify you about extended absences? Yes. Contact us before leaving and upon your return.
10. Can I stop billing for vacant property? Some charges continue even when property is vacant. While billing cannot be completely stopped, accounts can be closed and reopened when properties change hands.
11. How do I report a water main break? Call 763-493-8007 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For after-hours emergencies, call 763-493-8222.