Gloucester City's Environmental Services Department
Mission Statement
For our customers, we pledge to protect the public's health and welfare through the highest production of quality water. While meeting extreme volumes needed, we pledge to operate, maintain, and manage Gloucester City's water and wastewater systems.
We accept the shared responsibility of training, education, and research while maintaining constant regulatory compliance. We promise continuous improvements of the system, and above also, supply our customers the best service available.
for emergencies the 24/7 service number
for Water/Sewer service issues
please call (856) 456-0169
Address: 100 North Johnson Blvd, Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Telephone Water Plant# (856) 456-0169
Billing Inquires# (856) 456-1250
Fax# (856) 456-4486
Business Hours:Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Friday, Closed
Click Here to see more info on the New Hours
Environmental Utilities Staff
Assistant Public Works Director/ Superintendant
Fred Schindler - Fred@cityofgloucester.org
Clerical Staff - Lisa Debus - Lisa@cityofgloucester.org
C.S.O. # -
General Permit # NJ 0105023
City of Gloucester Permit # 0108847
P.W.S. #
414001
Did You Know?
- Up to 90 percent of water used to sprinkle lawns can be lost through evaporation from soil and plants.
Approximately two-thirds of residential interior water is for toilet flushing and bathing. The use of water-saving toilets, shower heads, and faucet aerators can cut this usage in half.
A garden hose discharges up to six-and-a-half gallons of water per minute under standard household water pressure.
Hot water leaks not only are a waste of water, but a waste of the energy (and money) used to heat the water.
A top-loading clothes washer uses between 40-55 gallons of water per load. Front-loading models reduce water usage by about 40 percent. Make sure they’re full before turning them on.
A dishwasher uses between 8 and 12 gallons of water per load. Again, only run full loads
Water conservation is a smart investment not only for now, but for the future. Please make it a lifelong habit!
Grand Opening of Water Works on September 21, 2010
Click here to View Program from the Event
Ground Breaking at Gloucester City's Water Works on March 24, 2009
The City of Gloucester Water Works celebrated its 125th Anniversary. The present water treatment plant went on line 1883. Today's treatment works still operates on the original 6 acre site. The original contract for construction was awarded at a cost of $73,395.78.
Click Here to see the Pictures of the event.
Emergency Number:
(856) 456-0169 answering service will contact utilities personnel or Dial 911
Water Conservation
Did you know.........A dripping faucet or fixture can waste 3 gallons of water a day for a total of 1,095 gallons a year!!!
That simply turning off the water at the main valve can prevent a burst pipe or other plumbing emergency, such as an overflowing toilet or tub, from becoming a home flood. Locate and tage the main water valve in your home. There is no standard location for a main water valve, although it is usually near the water heater. Main valves are generally closed by turning the handle clockwise.
Leaks are especially common during cold weather when pipes can freeze and cause pipe walls to crack or poorly soldered joints to loosen. To help prevent these leaks, wrap exposed pipes with insulated materials. Plug up drafty cracks. Repair broken window panes to make basements with any water line and meters in them more secure against the cold. Check crawl spaces and garages to make sure the pipes are protected. The copper pipes that carry hot and cold water in the most homes are normally durable and long lasting, but sometimes develop leaks that can cause severe damage.
Handy Tips to Conserve Water
Take shorter showers.
Only do full loads of wash.
Run dishwasher when fully loaded.
Water lawn and garden as needed, early a.m.
Water is a precious resource. Don't Waste it!
Sewer Backup
Sewer main stoppages do not occur frequently. However, when they do, the result can be devasting for residents if the stoppage causes sewage to back up into the home. Many residents dispose of grease from frying or cooking oil down the sink drain. When the grease gets into the sewer main, it solidifies. The grease clings to tree roots and coats the inside diameter of the pipe. It eventually clogs the pipe entirely. Frying and cooling oil should be poured into a separate container and placed in the trash for disposal.
Remember to follow the manufacturer's directions when using the garbage disposal unit located under the sink. Grease and debris from garbage disposals are very costly to treat at the wastewater treatment facility. If you have the unit removed from your home, contact the Billing Office so that the charge can be removed from your quarterly bill.
If sewage backs up into your home:
1. Call the Environmental Utility Department at (856) 456-0169 as soon as possible. There is no charge for this service call.
2. If we determine that the problem is in the main line, we will clear the blockage at no charge.
3. If the problem is in the homeowner's line, it will require a plumber at the homeowner's expense.
4. If a plumber determines tree roots are the problem, be certain a root cutter is used to clear the pipe of all roots.
Hydrant & Water Main Flushing
Q: There’s water running down my street. Who opened the hydrants?
A: The Environmental Utilities Department’s employees flush the water distribution pipes to ensure that they are clean. Without periodic flushing, rust would cling to the pipe walls. Flushing helps rid the pipes of excessive iron. If construction crews are working near the lines by your home, they may also stir up materials that have settled to the bottom of the pipes. Please call the Environmental Utility Department at (856) 456-0169 if you have sand or grit in your water as a result of construction work in your area or if you see unauthorized person’s operating a hydrant.
Hints During Hydrant Flushing
1. There may be a temporary drop in water pressure at this time.
2. Water may be rusty or cloudy. Discolored water is not harmful and will clear up in a few hours.
3. Fill a bottle with water and store it in the refrigerator to use for drinking or cooking.
4. Do not wash white laundry during this period.
5. Flush hot water tanks after the water clears.
Fire hydrants are to be used for fire fighting purposes only. All other uses must be permitted by the Environmental Utilities Department. Permits can be obtained from the Water Plant at 100 North Johnson Boulevard, Gloucester City. Anyone suspecting the unauthorized use of a fire hydrant should call (856) 456-0169.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there fluoride in the water?
A: Fluoride is not added to the drinking water provided by the City of Gloucester. The naturally occurring concentration of fluoride in the public water supply is less than 0.2ppm. Employees conduct tests on a regular basis to ensure compliance with all State and Federal regulations
Q: I’m moving, what arrangements must I make?
A: Please call the Tax Office at (856) 456-1250 to schedule a final meter reading. Final readings must be requested at least 72 hours prior to settlement. Additionally, the Tax Assessor’s office will need to be contacted at (856) 456-6934.
Q: Is there a Senior Citizen discount?
A: Yes, Gloucester City gives a Senior Citizens discount to those who qualify. For more information, please call the Tax Office at (856) 456-1250.
Q: I have black specks in my water. How come?
A: It usually means that the faucet aerator is clogged. Simply remove the aerator and clean it with bleach and water. Then reinstall it.
Q: Why is my water cloudy?
A: It usually means that there is air in the water line. Open all faucets for a few minutes till it clears. If it persists, please contact the Environmental Utility Department for assistance at (856) 456-0169.
Q: Why is my water tan in color?
A: It usually means there is iron in your water. This can be caused by various reasons. It could be because the Environmental Utility Department just flushed a hydrant in your area and settlement from the old pipes have gotten into the water. If not, it could mean that you may need to flush your hot water heater. Settlement can build up on the bottom and can get into your water. When your water is tan in color, open your faucet and flush until water is clear. If a problem persist, please contact the Environmental Utility Department for assistance at (856) 456-0169.
List of Associations
New Jersey Water Environment Association – SJ Section
South Jersey Water Professional Association
American Water Works Association
Cast Iron Pipe Century Club
Water Environment Association
New Jersey Water Association
100 North Johnson Blvd, Gloucester City, NJ 08030 (856) 456-0169
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Friday - Closed
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Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed, may not be used without permission.
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