ISELIN, N.J., July 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX) has announced that an $11.2 million project to replace aging water infrastructure is set to begin in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey.  As part of its 2018 RENEW Program, Middlesex Water Company intends to replace 4.8 miles of water mains, as well as service lines, valves and fire hydrants.  The work is being performed to improve fire flows and overall service quality in the area as the new mains being installed have greater water carrying capacity.  

“RENEW 2018 is part of our overall Water for Tomorrow® Program which consists of projects designed to strengthen our water distribution infrastructure for continued service reliability, resiliency and water quality,” said Dennis Doll President and Chief Executive Officer. “Water is such a precious natural resource.  Our RENEW 2018 Program will help us better preserve our water resources by identifying leaks in the project area.  By being proactive and replacing aging infrastructure on a planned schedule -- there’s less likelihood of future disruptive and costly emergency repairs down the road,” added Doll.

While the overall project is expected to take 6 months to complete, individual homes should only be affected for a few days as crews replace and install the new mains and meter pits.  While the Company makes every effort to minimize the impact of our work on traffic, residents may observe some traffic disruption as the roadway is trenched to accommodate the construction of a new water main.  There will also be excavations when the service lines are connected to the new mains.  This will impact traffic flow, but on a smaller scale.  Affected customers will receive additional details about the project. 

As part of the RENEW Program, MWC will be installing exterior meter pits at each customer’s premise. Relocating meters outside of homes to exterior pits is a long term plan to offer customers greater convenience and safety.  First, exterior meter pits will be installed. Then, during their eventual scheduled meter testing, Middlesex Water will relocate each customer's interior meter to the company-owned exterior meter pit.

Customers affected by RENEW can expect to be without water service for a period of 2-3 hours as their service is transferred from the old main to the new main.  Middlesex Water will always strive to reduce the project impact on residents.

Additional information, Frequently Asked Questions and Contact Info can be found at  www.waterfortomorrowmwc.com/renew  or by calling Middlesex Water at 800-549-3802.  Middlesex Water is funding the project through low interest loans obtained from the NJ State Revolving Fund administered by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The Company determines which water mains are to be replaced based on historical records. These records include the size and composition of the existing pipe, the date the pipe was installed and other relevant operational data.  Main installation will conclude with compaction and temporary pavement restoration followed by final pavement restoration after the area has settled.

The program may require that water personnel enter customers’ homes.  Customers are strongly reminded to ask for credentials from utility personnel prior to allowing them entry and, for added security, should contact Middlesex Water Company at 800-549-3802 to verify the authenticity of the utility representative at their door.  Customers affected by the RENEW Program will receive further notice if access to their home is required.

Media Contact:

Bernadette Sohler, Vice President – Corporate Affairs
Middlesex Water Company
1500 Ronson Road
Iselin, NJ  08830
(732) 638-7549
bsohler@middlesexwater.com

Source: Middlesex Water Company