Sparta environmental commission addresses water contamination and data centers
Sparta commission reports elevated sodium in town water, reviews data center ordinance. Christine Dunbar presented findings from the commission's ongoing water monitoring showing sodium levels of 129 parts per million in town water, up from 55 ppm several years ago, driven by road salt use. Members
Environmental Commission · Meeting of January 22, 2026
NJ SPARTA — Sparta commission reports elevated sodium in town water, reviews data center ordinance. Christine Dunbar presented findings from the commission's ongoing water monitoring showing sodium levels of 129 parts per million in town water, up from 55 ppm several years ago, driven by road salt use. Members discussed a model ordinance that would not permit data centers as permitted uses in the township, citing significant energy and water consumption for cooling systems.
The commission approved coordinating an Earth Day event Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Hall, with the New Jersey Highlands Coalition and Sparta Township High School Ecology Club confirmed to participate. Members also reviewed Sustainable New Jersey grant opportunities with a $20,000 maximum and February 13 application deadline, discussing potential projects including a pollinator garden, trail markers and usage rules, an Environmental Resource Inventory, and a floating island in Lake Mohawk.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 331 words
Source: the Environmental Commission meeting of January 22, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Sparta meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Sparta who follows town government? Share Townbrief Sparta: they can sign up free.