United Water to Study Hoboken's Aging Water System

In the coming six months, United Water will be completing a master plan to determine what type of renovations and improvements have to be made to Hoboken's water system.

United Water will be looking into the water infrastructure, some parts of which haven't been changed since 1860, according to Chris Riat, a senior director at United Water. 

United Water will also complete a hydrolic model — a digital imitation of Hoboken's water system — that can "further help," Riat said.

The plan will be completed in three phases over the next six months.

The main problem with Hoboken's water system, Riat said, is age. There has also been an increased demand, with Hoboken's population growing fast over the last couple of decades.

Storms like Sandy only exacerbate the problem, Riat said, because the infusion of salt water causes extra corrosion of the system.

The study is on top of United Water's annual obligation of investing $350,000 in the Hoboken water infrastructure. Last month,

The study that will be completed will cost United Water about $100,000, Riat said. There is no cost to the city.