Nutley’s Iconic Well Is Well; Local Landmark Reopens For Public Use

NUTLEY, NJ — A Nutley icon is expected to reopen to the public on Friday: the water well on Vincent Place.

A township landmark for decades, the well provides cold, filtered drinking water sourced from aquifers in northern Essex County.

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Originally installed to irrigate the grass playing fields at the Park Oval, the well found a new home beside Town Hall in the 1980s. There, the metal water trough became a familiar and cherished landmark for generations of Nutley families.

The 104-foot-deep well was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning it to service took longer than anticipated due to new regulatory requirements and administrative delays.

Over the past several years, the Nutley Water Department has completed a full reconstruction of the pumping system, replacing outdated components with modern equipment and redesigning the water handling infrastructure to be more functional and cost-efficient.

The site's enhanced design also pays tribute to Nutley's history, incorporating local brownstone repurposed from the Centre Street Bridge and bluestone salvaged from sidewalks throughout the township.

All work – including excavation, blockwork, mechanical installation and landscaping – was completed in-house by the Nutley Department of Public Works, the township said.

Before reopening, the well underwent all required testing and review. With the final approvals now complete, residents are welcome to stop by and fill their containers, officials said.

"I know how important this well is to our community," Nutley Department of Public Works Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli said.

"We took the time to do the job the right way, with upgraded technology, improved functionality and a more attractive site," Scarpelli added. "I'm pleased to say the well is ready, and I look forward to seeing residents enjoy it again."

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