4 billion gallons of water pumped into Round Valley Reservoir. Here's why
The New Jersey Water Supply Authority has stopped pumping water into Round Valley Reservoir, which is undergoing a multi-year modernization project.
The water level in New Jersey's largest water supply had been reduced because of the work on the facility's dams. The water level was lowered by 25 feet below normal for the construction, and water supply demands last summer lowered the water level 7-8 feet more.
In February, with the construction progressing, the authority began pumping water in the reservoir and added 4.4 billion gallons of water, increasing the water level by almost 8 feet.
Pumping more water into the reservoir and raising the water level will resume after the earthwork is substantially completed at all three embankments.
Round Valley is now at 66.3% of capacity. Nearby Spruce Run is at 100.6% of capacity.
More: When will Round Valley Reservoir return to normal levels?
Restoration work continues at the North Dam facing Lebanon Borough and the Dike, the dam crossed by Hunterdon County Route 629.
At the North Dam, the work includes grading, placing topsoil, and seeding to restore the staging areas, milling and paving of access roads, and maintenance of the embankment’s grass cover.
Work at the Dike is limited to minor punch-list work as this embankment is largely complete.
At the South Dam, the contractor continues to work up the embankment with installation of drainage materials and earthfill. Construction hours have been expanded with overlapping shifts from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Round Valley Reservoir water level rises to 66%
