Brick's Barrier Island Water System Recharged

A 'Do Not Consume' water order for residents of Brick Township's barrier island neighborhoods remains in effect, New Jersey American Water said Wednesday night, but the system has been successfully recharged.

While customers of the water utility on Pelican Island, which is divided between Toms River and Berkeley townships, were given the green light to consume water again Wednesday, Brick residents still should not do so.

Before water can be certified as being able to be consumed, it must pass tests to determine it meets state cleanliness levels.

The company did, however, announce that its system had been recharged – which means it filled the pipes with water under pressure – along the entire length of the barrier island.

"Nearly all of the fire hydrants in the system are functioning, which means that the island has fire service available," said Richard Barnes, a company spokesman.

The company had also completed flushing its system in Brick.

While the Do Not Drink order is still in effect, customers can still wash hands, clean dishes, bathe (except infants and toddlers) and do laundry.

Barrier island residents are unique in that their water service comes from NJAW rather than the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority due to a multi-town, long-term lease the company holds on the water mains there, with the exception of Lavallette. The BTMUA still handles Brick residents' sewerage services, however.