Vineland water main flushing may cause temporary discolored water

Vineland residents who see rusty or discolored water at the tap are being told not to panic. The city says spring water main and fire hydrant maintenance began April 6 and was expected to finish on or about May 22, and the work can stir up sediment that temporarily changes the water’s color.

The city describes the discoloration as a normal side effect of hydrant flushing. Residents who notice it are advised to run an outside spigot until the water clears. If needed, the city says to run cold water only through a bathtub or shower. The water utility says regular flushing helps maintain and improve water quality and allows crews to collect samples that verify compliance with state and federal drinking-water regulations.

Anyone with questions can contact the Water Utility Service Division at (856) 794-4056, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vineland Municipal Utilities says the city’s system draws from the Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer and serves a large network that includes more than 265 miles of water mains, 1,993 public fire hydrants, 275 private hydrants and more than 2,880 in-line distribution valves. Another utilities page says the system includes 13 wells, seven elevated storage tanks and about 250 miles of water main, putting Vineland among New Jersey’s 25 largest water providers.

The city also is steering residents toward digital service tools. The free myVineland app is available through Apple Store and Google Play and lets users submit and track non-emergency service requests, receive news updates and get emergency alerts. Vineland says residents can also file non-emergency requests around the clock through its online portal. The app also helps users find local parks, libraries, city services and upcoming events.

For small businesses and nonprofits, Project Beautify is open to UEZ-certified businesses and small nonprofit organizations with 10 employees or fewer. A 2023 council resolution says eligible UEZ businesses must have no more than $1.5 million in sales and be tax-compliant, while nonprofits must have no more than ten full-time employees. The program offers 5-year forgivable loans of up to $50,000, with a 10% property-owner match, to improve commercial corridors in the Urban Enterprise Zone.

City Hall is also taking public comments on the draft 2026 Annual Action Plan through June 10, with written comments due by June 8. The draft is available for inspection from May 9 through June 10 in the Community Development Office at City Hall and on the city website, and comments can be sent to Sandy Forosisky, director of economic development, at extension 4623 or sforosisky@vinelandcity.org. A Planning Board meeting is scheduled for June 10 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 640 E. Wood Street.