Report on Water Infrastructure Upgrade in Passaic and Bergen Counties and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview

The Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) has initiated a critical infrastructure project involving the Levine Reservoir. This project is mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to safeguard public water supplies.

• Objective: To replace the current open-air reservoir with two enclosed concrete storage tanks.
• Investment: $53 million.
• Projected Completion: May 2027.
• Immediate Action: Preparatory testing of a valve to reroute water from the New Street Reservoir, which will temporarily serve as the primary source for affected customers.

Affected Municipalities and Temporary Impacts

An estimated 80,000 residents may experience temporary service alterations during the testing phase. These measures are necessary to facilitate the transition and construction process for the long-term infrastructure enhancement.

Service Area

• Paterson (portions)
• Lodi
• Fair Lawn
• Ridgewood
• Elmwood Park
• Garfield
• Wallington

Potential Temporary Effects

• Low water pressure
• Cloudiness in tap water

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This infrastructure project directly addresses several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting a commitment to public health, environmental protection, and resilient community development.

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The primary driver of the project is to protect the water supply from external contaminants, directly advancing Target 6.1, which aims to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water. Enclosing the reservoir is a fundamental step in ensuring water quality and safety.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • By preventing potential contamination of the drinking water, the project mitigates the risk of waterborne diseases. This contributes to Target 3.9, which seeks to substantially reduce illnesses from water pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The $53 million investment represents a significant upgrade to regional infrastructure. This aligns with Target 9.1 to develop quality, reliable, and resilient infrastructure to support human well-being.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Ensuring a secure and safe water supply is foundational to creating sustainable and resilient urban environments. This project enhances the reliability of essential services for approximately 80,000 residents, supporting the goals of SDG 11.

Future Directives and Long-Term Strategy

The conversion of the Levine Reservoir is part of a broader, federally mandated strategy to enhance water security in the region. The EPA requires similar upgrades for the open-air reservoirs at New Street and Great Notch. This comprehensive approach demonstrates a long-term commitment to upholding environmental standards and achieving sustainability objectives, ensuring that communities have access to safe and reliable water for decades to come.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The article’s central theme is the provision of safe drinking water. It discusses a project to enclose the Levine Reservoir to protect the water supply for 80,000 residents. This directly relates to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The text describes a major infrastructure project: the “$53 million project to convert the open-air Levine Reservoir … into two enclosed tanks.” This focuses on building resilient infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply, which is a key aspect of SDG 9.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The underlying reason for the project is public health. The article states that federal officials (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) mandate that the reservoir “must be covered to protect the water.” This action is a preventive measure to avoid water contamination and the potential for waterborne illnesses, thus promoting well-being.

Identified SDG Targets

1. Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

   The article highlights efforts by the Passaic Valley Water Commission to ensure a safe water supply for “80,000 residents in Paterson and six municipalities.” The project’s goal of converting an open-air reservoir to enclosed tanks is a direct action to guarantee the safety and quality of the tap water, aligning with the objective of providing safe drinking water.

2. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transregional infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

   The construction of “enclosed concrete tanks” to replace the open-air reservoir is a clear example of developing resilient infrastructure. The article mentions this is a “$53 million project” designed to create a more reliable water system, as the current open-air model is vulnerable. The project serves multiple municipalities, highlighting its regional importance.

3. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

   The project is mandated by the “U.S. Environmental Protection Agency” specifically “to protect the water.” This implies a direct effort to prevent water contamination, which is a primary cause of waterborne illnesses. By enclosing the reservoir, the commission is actively working to reduce health risks for the population it serves.

Mentioned or Implied Indicators

1. Indicator related to 6.1.1 (Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services)

   The article explicitly states that “80,000 affected customers” will be impacted by the project. This number serves as a direct indicator of the population whose water services are being upgraded to be more safely managed. The temporary issues mentioned, such as “cloudiness in their tap water” and “low water pressure,” are metrics of service quality that the final project aims to resolve permanently.

2. Indicator related to infrastructure investment and population served (related to 9.1)

   The article provides a specific financial figure for the infrastructure upgrade: a “$53 million project.” This monetary value is a clear indicator of the investment being made in resilient infrastructure. Furthermore, the project timeline, with a completion date of “May 2027,” serves as an indicator for measuring progress on infrastructure development.

3. Indicator related to 3.9.2 (Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and lack of hygiene)

   While the article does not mention illness or death rates, the EPA mandate to cover the reservoir implies a preventative action to mitigate health risks. The successful implementation of this project—preventing contamination in an open-air reservoir—serves as a proxy indicator for reducing the population’s exposure to potential waterborne pathogens, thereby contributing to the goal of reducing illnesses from water contamination.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: northjersey.com