In response to the Clean Water Act, the National Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Policy, and the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) Regulations, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued 25 individual NJPDES permits to require the submission of a Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) to reduce or eliminate CSOs. These permits were issued… Continue reading NJ Water Bank Offering Principal Forgiveness for CSO Abatement
JWW Committee Recommends Relief for Low-Income Customers, Water and Wastewater Utilities
The Jersey Water Works Asset Management and Finance Committee submitted the following recommendations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to the Governor’s office on April 17. These recommendations address the inequitable impacts of the pandemic during and immediately following the outbreak, both on low-income customers who can’t afford to pay their water bills, and on… Continue reading JWW Committee Recommends Relief for Low-Income Customers, Water and Wastewater Utilities
Everyone needs their lead pipes replaced, not just those who can afford it
Across the country, over 9 million homes still get their drinking water through a lead pipe. Given our growing understanding of the risks of even low levels of lead exposure to both children and adults — and the benefits of reducing exposure — replacing these lead service lines is a no-brainer. Two new analyses underscore the need to… Continue reading Everyone needs their lead pipes replaced, not just those who can afford it
Coronavirus and Water
For most of us that means some level of social distancing. Limiting interactions with others will help flatten the exposure curve. For all of us, this step raises questions about maintaining food and other necessities – as well as what we would do if a loved one starts showing symptoms. Which brings me to the… Continue reading Coronavirus and Water
New Jersey Communities Discuss Climate Change Impact on Multi-Billion Dollar Sewer Improvement Plans
In New Jersey, 21 fast-growing communities with outdated sewer systems that combine rainfall with industrial and domestic sewage are finding they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. When it rains in these communities, raw sewage pours into rivers and backs up into basements and onto streets, known as Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO).… Continue reading New Jersey Communities Discuss Climate Change Impact on Multi-Billion Dollar Sewer Improvement Plans
Landscape Professionals Absorb Stormwater Management
About 25 people attended The Watershed Institute’s inaugural Green Infrastructure Certification class for professionals. The group of landscape designers, municipal officials, and others learned about various types of green infrastructure that help capture and absorb water as well as suitable native plants that will flourish in these stormwater facilities. After the two-day classroom portion of… Continue reading Landscape Professionals Absorb Stormwater Management
Water leaders call for continued momentum, innovative funding to transform New Jersey’s water infrastructure
Throughout 2019, New Jersey’s water infrastructure has made headlines. With the Jersey Water Works Lead in Drinking Water Task Force recommendations advanced by the state legislature, a new stormwater rule requiring green infrastructure finalized by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and local governments now having a new funding option to manage stormwater utilities,… Continue reading Water leaders call for continued momentum, innovative funding to transform New Jersey’s water infrastructure
Jersey Water Works Statement on the Governor’s State of the State Address
Jersey Water Works Steering Committee Co-Chairs Jane Kenny and Mark Mauriello released the following statement on Governor Murphy’s 2020 State of the State Address: “New Jersey faces many water infrastructure issues, most visibly that of lead in our drinking water. We are pleased to see Governor Murphy continuing to elevate the importance of addressing lead… Continue reading Jersey Water Works Statement on the Governor’s State of the State Address
#LookForTheRiver, Jersey Water Works Opening Plenary Speech
Good Morning Everyone, Uh, oh. I have to be that first person who annoyingly chastises you for being lack luster in your morning greeting. Think of it this way. It is Friday! You are coming to have a great time at this symposium, learn lots of stuff, have some good conversations, have la meal and… Continue reading #LookForTheRiver, Jersey Water Works Opening Plenary Speech
New Jersey takes major steps forward on lead in drinking water
When it comes to addressing the challenge of lead service lines (LSLs), recent event in New Jersey have set the stage for long-term progress amid short-term crises. The watershed moment came on October 10, when Jersey Water Works and Governor Phil Murphy held a joint press conference announcing their respective plans to reduce lead in drinking water that featured a… Continue reading New Jersey takes major steps forward on lead in drinking water