The construction of a new ozone treatment facility and other upgrades at its Carl J. Olsen Treatment Plant in Edison, New Jersey has commenced, according to Middlesex Water Company, which primarily provides water and wastewater services in New Jersey and Delaware. Jacobs Engineering Group is the consulting engineer, and Northeast Remsco Construction is the general contractor for the project. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2021.

To improve resilience and comply with stricter regulations for drinking water quality, Middlesex Water is investing $70 million in upgrades to its existing water treatment plant. The upgrades will include replacing sodium hypochlorite with ozone as the primary disinfectant in the water treatment process. This change will help reduce the formation of disinfection by-products, which can occur in some parts of the distribution system when chlorine is used.

Compared to chlorine, ozone is a more effective method for disinfecting pathogenic organisms commonly found in water. As a result, it is currently the most commonly used method for water disinfection worldwide. In addition to its ability to inactivate pathogens in raw water, ozone also enhances taste and odor and is more efficient in addressing emerging chemicals of concern.

Ozone water treatment, generated through the use of oxygen and electricity, does not introduce any chemicals into the water and quickly degrades back into oxygen. Besides providing more effective water treatment, the implementation of the ozone plant will minimize the use of chemicals currently utilized to address taste, odor, and disinfection by-products.

As part of the upgrade project, the Company will enhance its emergency electric generation backup system to guarantee uninterrupted service during a power outage.

Dennis Doll, the Chairman, CEO, and President of Middlesex Water, stated, “We are thrilled to commence the implementation of this technology at our most extensive treatment plant to provide additional protection for the health and safety of our customers.” Doll added, “By incorporating this installation and enhancing our emergency power generation, among other plant improvements, we are staying ahead of evolving regulations, enhancing water quality, strengthening our facilities against severe weather conditions, and creating a safer working environment for our employees.”

The CJO Water Treatment plant processes an average of 30 million gallons per day, supplying water to approximately 500,000 inhabitants in the eastern regions of Middlesex and Monmouth counties in New Jersey.