Atlantic City Mayor Knew Water Test Failed: Didn’t Tell Residents

I wrote a very empathetic and supportive article on Friday, January 5, 2024 about Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small and the issue of the need to boil the water in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

If you missed it, here’s a link to catch-up:

That’s because this was a potential health crisis and I wanted to be a part of the solution, to help get the important word out to the public as soon as possible.

However, then I found out that Small knew since early Friday morning, 1/5/24 about the problematic water test sample that had been conducted … yet, Small didn’t tell the citizens of Atlantic City until 7:30 p.m., on 1/5/24.

That is disgraceful and indefensible.

When this dereliction of duty was exposed, Team Small concocted the following story line … admitting that the water test sample was taken early on Friday, 1/5/24 and that the results were immediately transmitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for their review and advice.

Team Small says that the NJDEP did not get back to the City of Atlantic City until 4:00 p.m.

This lack of sense of urgency does not square with my long-time experience with the NJDEP. I have had a good working relationship with New Jersey state departments for more than 3 decades.

I have found the NJDEP to be accessible and serious when it comes to matters such as this and the public’s safety.

I don’t believe that the state kept the City of Atlantic City waiting in this manner.

However, even if they did keep the City of Atlantic City waiting … Small knew by 4:00 p.m. that a boil water emergency/precaution was required and Small waited until 7:30 p.m, on Friday, 1/5/24 to tell the citizens of Atlantic City.

In fact, I actually advised the public about this health requirement a full 30 minutes before Small did.

I have spoken to a number of Atlantic City officials and former officials. They are not impressed with how Small has managed this health crisis.

For example, I conducted an extensive interview with former (immediate past) Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority Chairman John Devlin … who unloaded on Small as follows:

"Unfortunately this horrific event could have been avoided. This is a plain example of absentee and incompetent leadership to say the least. Instead of utilizing capital for equipment and repair or replacing of old equipment, Armstrong and company chose to create unneeded positions within the ACMUA for friends and family,” said Devlin.

“Meanwhile hours and hours have passed and no communication to the residents and visitors alike? The mere fact that our residents, elderly, children, pets and beyond were possibly exposed to dangerous bacteria and not being advised is a criminal act,” said Devlin.

“This ship (ACMUA) is headed straight for the rocks and there's nobody manning the helm. This is like déjà vu all over again. The last time we had a biblical leak nobody could find Armstrong, not even the police!! What are we paying this guy for?” said Devlin.

“How many times does this have to happen? There are so many questions left unanswered. Has anyone been affected? Was the incident investigated? What was the cause? Can it happen again? How do we prevent something like this again? What kind of punishments are we going to be subject to from the DEP? said Devlin.

“The Mayor and his directors have the audacity to say “GREAT DAY" during such a dangerous time and so quick to thank each other. They pat each other on the backs for being reactive instead of being proactive. It's no less than mind boggling, said Devkin.

”This would never have happened under my watch. I would have demanded communication and transparency within the community and residents. I refused to hide or coverup anything for anybody,” said Devlin.

“This is the reason the Small/Armstrong gang made up frivolous lies and allegations against me. I refused to drink their Kool-Aid and go along with their crazy agendas, so they assembled a Kangaroo Court to oust me. That book is not closed. I will have my day in court,” said Devlin.

“I merely did my duty and I would do it again. Sadly, I predicted that something like this would happen, and now that day is here, said Devlin.

Finally, Devlin said that he wants the state of Nee Jersey to investigate the qualifications of the executive director and deputy executive director of tte Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority, saying:

”I challenge the state to look into the water licensing credentials of Armstrong and India Steel after this water catastrophe incident,” said Devlin.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small knew that the Atlantic City water failed a water test sample and yet he kept the residents in the dark … waiting many hours before telling them.

As soon as Small learned (early morning on Friday, 1/5/24) about the bad water test result, he should have immediately announced the boil water advisory as a safety precaution.

If Small learned later in the day that this was not necessary, he could have then called it off.

We have learned that the boil water advisory may be lifted as early as the afternoon of Sunday, January 7, 2024.