In 1849, the Passaic Water Company was incorporated and secured franchises for the distribution of water in New Jersey to the town of Paterson and environs, then known as the township of Manchester. Passaic Valley Water Commission was initially established as the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission in 1916. The commission offers purified drinking water to the residents and industries of northeast New Jersey. The agency has created water treatment facilities for the people in Clifton, Passaic and Paterson, N.J., as well as surrounding towns. Passaic Valley Water Commission is located in Clifton.