@MIzzoDR
MINE HILL - A popular natural spring has closed its gates, citing the high cost of mandated testing as the reason for shutting down the Canfield Avenue watering hole.
The water at Artisan Spring Hill at Canfield still runs as it always does, but now in addition to being protected from non-members by a steel cage, it’s under heavy lock and chains, preventing anyone from accessing the spring.
Tuesday, the gate appeared to be damaged and a box at the front of the cage contained pieces of paper with a statement from the Paschal family, the spring’s owners for nearly half a century, about the immediate closure of the spring.
“Due to the high cost of New Jersey mandated drinking water tests, we are forced to permanently close the spring immediately,” read the statement.
“The water laboratory projected the cost for fourth quarter water testing to be $540 – same as it was last quarter. We cannot afford to continue covering this cost, and have to avoid further fourth quarter water testing fees. We cannot legally provide this water without testing and reporting the results to the state of New Jersey.”
The costs for people to access the spring was a requested $10 donation per quarter, plus an initial $10 membership fee and security deposit.
“It is with deep regret that we can no longer keep the spring open, but donations could not come close to covering our mandated operating costs, and we can no longer afford to carry it,” the statement concluded. “Thanks to those of you who contributed on a regular basis and tried to keep the spring available to all.”
The spring’s website, http://www.springhillatcanfield.com/, which contained testing results and other information, is also no longer operational.
Phone calls to the number previously on that website are now greeted by an automated message, saying it closed due to high cost of testing on Nov. 2.
According to the website “Find A Spring,” Spring Hill was discovered by the Paschal family more than 30 years ago and produces about 125,000 gallons of water per day. It is one of less than a dozen New Jersey springs listed on the website and the only one in Morris County.
The water from the spring is 49 degrees year-round, and flows from a crack in a granite ledge.
Mottel Baleston stopped by the spring to fill three jugs Tuesday afternoon, and was disappointed to find it closed.
“I thought I had until December 31 to fill,” Baleston said, referencing a mailbox on the fence surrounding the spring that states a closing date of Dec. 31, 2015. “I just started using it four months ago and paid for the year.”
Baleston, 60, of Roxbury said he was saddened to see the spring closed, but not angry.
“Last time I was here there were three other people in line to fill jugs so there is a demand for it,” Baleston said. “It’s very good water, an important resource for the community.”
There may still be hope that the cage reopens to the public though, according to Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris.
“The town would like to discuss with the owner possibly buying it after New Year’s,” Morris said. “It’s apparently very good water and I am hopeful we can have a meaningful discussion with them.”
The spring’s owners could not be reached for comment.
862-772-7047
Service Areas
