South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ

## Overview Tucked within the wooded hills of South Mountain Reservation in Millburn, New Jersey, this public drinking spring has drawn local water enthusiasts for decades. The spring features a constant flow of water emerging from a pipe, a testament to the natural groundwater resources of the Watchung Mountains — a series of basalt ridges formed by ancient volcanic activity roughly 200 million years ago during the Triassic period. The spring has been the subject of both devotion and controversy. Despite being officially marked "not safe for human consumption" by local authorities, the spring has maintained a loyal following of visitors who continue to fill jugs and bottles from its flow. A 2010 New York Times article ([read the piece here](http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/17/nyregion/17spring.html?_r=2)) documented the tension between county officials and spring-water devotees, highlighting how the site became a flashpoint in the broader debate over natural water sources versus municipal water supplies. The area around the pipe has been fenced off at various times, though the fencing has historically been breached by determined visitors. Independent water testing results from The Labrawtory, conducted in late 2010, are available [here](http://thelabrawtory.com/2010/10/29/adya-clarity-water-test) and may offer some insight into the mineral content and quality of the water at that time. However, water quality can change over time due to seasonal variation, runoff, and other environmental factors, so these results should not be taken as a current guarantee of safety. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by many locals, but visitors should be aware of the official signage advising against consumption. South Mountain Reservation itself is a 2,110-acre park managed by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. It offers over 19 miles of trails, scenic overlooks, and the famous Hemlock Falls — making the spring a worthwhile stop on a longer outing in the reservation. ## Directions 1. The spring is located near the intersection of **Glen Avenue and Lackawanna Place** in Millburn, NJ. 2. Head to **200 Glen Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041** as your starting point. 3. From Glen Avenue, look for the entrance or access path into South Mountain Reservation near Lackawanna Place. 4. The spring pipe is located within the reservation close to this entrance. Follow any visible trails or paths leading toward the fenced spring area. 5. GPS coordinates: **40.726593, -74.305** *Note: Specific trail directions from the road to the spring pipe are not well-documented. Using the GPS coordinates with a mapping app is recommended for pinpointing the exact location.* ## What to Expect Visitors will find a pipe delivering a steady, constant flow of water, set within the lush, forested landscape of South Mountain Reservation. The spring area has been fenced off by authorities, though the fencing has been reported as damaged or breached over the years. Official signage warns that the water is "not safe for human consumption." Despite the warnings, many locals have historically treated this as a regular water collection spot, and it is not uncommon to see people filling containers. The surrounding reservation is a beautiful mix of hardwood forest and rocky terrain typical of the Watchung ridgeline, and the area is pleasant for a walk or hike. The reservation is open from dawn until dusk. There are no fees to enter. Parking is available along Glen Avenue and at nearby reservation lots. The terrain near the spring is relatively accessible, though the path may be uneven in spots. The spring flows year-round, but flow volume may vary with seasonal rainfall. For a fuller outing, consider combining a visit to the spring with a hike to **Hemlock Falls** or a walk along the **Lenape Trail**, both of which pass through the reservation.