Residents question Sussex Borough water quality

SUSSEX BOROUGH — Sussex Borough resident inquired about the measures that are being taken to improve the quality of the borough’s water.
Trihalomethanes, aka THMs, are chemical pollutants that commonly form as a result of chlorine being mixed with matter in water such as decay. The conflict is that chlorine is needed to disinfect the water at the borough’s water plant.
The N.J. Department of Environmental Protection deemed that the borough’s water is in violation of THM levels.
“I got an email from the company that operates our water plant suggesting different chemicals,” Councilman Robert Holowach said.
He also spoke with an engineer to come up with a recommended filter for residents’ homes that catch THMs specifically.
The water comes from Lake Rutherford and streams down to Colesville Reservoir, and from there the water is piped to the water plant. The water accumulates some decay, such as leaves, on its way down to Colesville and at the reservoir.
Holowach laid out the borough’s long-term plan.
“We’re putting a pipe in Lake Rutherford that’s going to be paid for by grants and some funding from us,” he said.
“The colder the water, the less decay you get. Just like putting meat in a refrigerator. Our plan is to drill to get to the deeper and colder water of Lake Rutherford.”
Holowach said that the deeper water in Lake Rutherford was tested at 25 feet and proven to be “pristine.” The cleaner the water is going into the plant, the fewer chemicals are needed to disinfect the water.
Logistical issues regarding cost, property ownership and permits will take a long time to sort through before construction of the pipe even begins.