The closing is for infrastructure work that will improve the reservoir's water capacity, officials say.
BRICK, NJ — People who enjoy strolling the path around the Brick Reservoir will need to find other places to walk, after the Brick MUA announced the reservoir will be closing temporarily in August for a project that will improve its water capacity.
The closing is expected to begin in August and last about 10 months, MUA officials said.
The closure is for improvements and repairs to the reservoir's infrastructure "to ensure the continued safety, reliability and long-term sustainability of the reservoir and surrounding facilities," the MUA announcement said. The reservoir's water level is being lowered for the work, the statement said.
According to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, which is helping to finance the project, the work will be reinforcing the upper slopes of the reservoir to prevent erosion when water levels drop.
"Currently, erosion limits the reservoir's usable storage to just the top 5 feet (between elevations 95 and 100 feet above sea level)," the site said.
The infrastructure work will stabilize an additional 15 feet of the slopes (down to elevation 80), increasing the reservoir's capacity" when the MUA can't draw water from the river.
"The work involves removing the existing sand layer over the liner and adding a protective layer of geotextile fabric, gravel, and stone," the infrastructure bank statement said. "By strengthening the reservoir's banks, this project enhances climate resilience, safeguards drinking water supply, and ensures the long-term reliability of this critical infrastructure."
The Brick MUA approved a contract for $7.967 million for work at the reservoir in December. According to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank statement, $3,768,154 of the project is approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is funding $2,826,104 of that cost.
The NJ Resiliency Bank is providing $1,040,000, which covers the $942,000 difference between the FEMA funding and the FEMA-approved portion of the project, along with an additional 10 percent of the expenses, the NJIB said.
"Any additional costs beyond the FEMA-covered amount were financed through the NJ Water Bank," the NJIB said.
The improvements and repairs to the reservoir's infrastructure aim to "ensure the continued safety, reliability and long-term sustainability of the reservoir and surrounding facilities," the MUA announcement said.
"For safety reasons, public access to the reservoir and surrounding recreational areas will not be allowed during this period. We understand this may cause some inconvenience and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete this vital work," officials said.
MUA officials said updates including the exact closing date and anticipated reopening will be posted on its website.