December 17, 2024 —The Jersey Water Works Collaborative extends its gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the 10th Annual Jersey Water Works Conference, held on December 13. The annual event brought together over 200 water professionals, community advocates, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss and advance collaborative solutions for New Jersey’s most pressing water challenges. Participants engaged in a constructive dialogue and exchanged insights regarding evolving regulations, water quality, and the various confronting challenges to ensure clean affordable water and a healthy environment.
The conference featured two keynote speakers, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and George Hawkins, founder and CEO of Moonshot Missions. Commissioner LaTourette focused his remarks on important updates and regulations that are designed to keep communities safe. George Hawkins captivated the audience with his insights on transformative approaches to water management, inspiring attendees to think boldly and act decisively in their own communities, fully embracing Better Business Practices – BBP.
In addition to the powerful keynotes, the conference included a diverse lineup of sessions covering critical topics such as lead service line replacement, unlocking the potential of stormwater utilities, advancing green infrastructure, and shaping the water agenda with new political leaders. Panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities provided attendees with practical tools and inspiration to drive progress in their work. The afternoon gathering tied the pieces together and emphasized the fact that this work cannot be done without sponsors and philanthropic support.
“The Jersey Water Works Annual Conference is an excellent opportunity for government officials, utility representatives, community advocates and members of the general public to get together to hear about the best in practice for water system management and infrastructure. As the chief administrative officer for a mid-size municipality, I am interested in best management practices for eliminating lead service lines for drinking water, reducing stormwater runoff and nonpoint pollution, managing flood risks, mitigating the effects of climate change and sea level rise, and mitigating combined sewer overflows through green infrastructure and our long term control plan.” Stephen D. Marks, PP/AICP, Town Administrator, Town of Kearny
“The Jersey Water Works conference continues to offer a focused and relevant program that unites the water and wastewater industry with regulators to drive change and create positive impacts on communities and the environment.” Matthew DeNafo, PE, CME, President, Atlantic County Utilities Authority
New Jersey Future is proud to serve as the backbone organization for this annual convening of the Jersey Water Works collaborative, a network dedicated to transforming New Jersey’s water infrastructure through innovative partnerships and forward-thinking solutions. The conference reinforced the importance of collective action in creating safe, clean, and equitable water systems for all New Jersey residents.