Keeping the Connection Alive—How the Kearny Multiples Were Saved

Over a century ago, seven 16-in. wrought iron watermains known as the Kearny Multiples (Multiples) were installed across the Passaic River transferring water from Passaic Valley Water Commission’s (PVWC) Little Falls Water Treatment Plant to PVWC’s North Arlington system and the Commission’s wholesale customers, Lyndhurst, and Harrison. The water mains, which sat atop the Passaic River riverbed, were subject to the river’s tide levels and currents. Throughout the years, failures began to occur and by 2023 only two active crossings remained which significantly reduced the hydraulic capacity to the PVWC customers east of the river. In May 2023, PVWC engaged with J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc., and Rädlinger Primus Line, Inc., to structurally rehabilitate the remaining two active pipe crossings and rehabilitate two decommissioned pipe crossings. This presentation will cover the overall history of the project, the unique liner solution and construction methods, and the coordination that took place both within PVWC and with our neighboring utilities.