Due to recent freezing temperatures that have begun to strain the Trenton Water Works’ infrastructure, the utility is asking residents in five New Jersey municipalities to conserve water.
Water Conservation Advisory
In a statement released Thursday, officials with the TWW, which provides water to more than 200,000 New Jersey residents, requested customers in Trenton, Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, and Hopewell Township to “prioritize essential water use for drinking and cooking, sanitation andpersonal hygiene, and fire suppression and emergency needs.”
The advisory follows a period of unusually cold weather that has tested the reliability of the water system. Residents are encouraged to limit non‑essential usage such as washing vehicles or watering lawns.
Impact on Infrastructure
“Cold weather impacts the performance of our water infrastructure, and we are ready to address any operational issues,” said Sean Semple, Director of the Treton’s Department of Water and Sewer, which operates Trenton Water Works, in a statement.
Semple added that while there is no disruption to treatment or distribution, “freezing temperatures and prolonged cold weather conditions affect TWW’s water filtration plant’s ability to pump water from the supercooled Delaware River and water mains and service lines in our 683-mile distribution system.”
The statement clarified that the company has experienced what it called “seasonal operational challenges” but that water treatment and distribution to homes remain uninterrupted.
Non‑Essential Uses
The company identified several non‑essential water uses that should be reduced during this period:
- Washing vehicles
- Watering lawns and landscaping
- Filling pools or operating decorative fountains
- Running dishwashers or washing machines with partial loads
These activities consume large volumes of water and could strain the system during the cold spell.
TWW’s Response and Assurance
“TWW’s water filtration plant on Route 29 South in Trenton continues to operate normal and is capable of meeting drinking water demand,” added Semple, in a statement.
He said that by issuing this advisory, the TWW hopes to “ensure system reliability and performance during extreme cold temperatures.”
The utility’s goal is to maintain enough water for essential uses while preventing potential service disruptions.
Local Context
The five municipalities affected by the advisory are all served by the same distribution network that spans 683 miles of water mains.
Trenton Water Works serves more than 200,000 New Jersey residents, making this advisory relevant to a large portion of the state’s population.
The freezing temperatures have already prompted the company to monitor the system closely for any signs of stress.
Key Takeaways
- Residents in Trenton, Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, Lawrence Township, and Hopewell Township are asked to conserve water.
- Essential uses include drinking, cooking, sanitation and personal hygiene, and fire suppression and emergency needs.
- Non‑essential uses such as washing vehicles, watering lawns, filling pools, and running partial loads should be minimized.
- The water filtration plant on Route 29 South remains operational and can meet drinking water demand.
- The advisory aims to ensure reliability and performance during extreme cold temperatures.
Closing
Trenton Water Works is monitoring the situation closely and remains prepared to address any operational issues that may arise from the cold weather.
For more information or other announcements from the Trenton Water Works visit trentonnj.org/154/Water-Sewer.
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