“Resiliency is not a luxury anymore—it’s a necessity.” This statement by Oleg Kostin, Director of Operations at New Jersey American Water, was echoed throughout the Resilient Water Systems in the Face of a Changing Climate workshop at the 2021 Jersey Water Works conference. In September 2021, the remnants of Hurricane Ida barreled through New Jersey,… Continue reading In the face of more intense flooding issues, experts share innovative solutions for building climate resilience into our water systems
Topic: Drinking Water
Lead Service Line Replacement… And Now For the Hard Part
In July, 2021, Governor Murphy signed a new law (P.L.2021, c.183; https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/AL21/183_.HTM) requiring the state’s water utilities to replace lead service lines (LSLs) within ten years. Implementation will be challenging. The few cities in other states that have successfully tackled this problem typically required 20 to 25 years to complete the job. To accelerate the… Continue reading Lead Service Line Replacement… And Now For the Hard Part
NJ sets tougher standards for drinking water suppliers
Photo credit: New Jersey Future Governor Murphy signed into law amendments to the Water Quality Accountability Act on Nov. 9. JWW co-chair Andy Kricun, Steering Committee member Rich Calbi, and members Dan Van Abs and Chris Sturm are quoted.
Water Utilities as Anchor Institutions
Water utilities can root themselves as anchor institutions within their communities. Anchor institutions are: Public service entities—like hospitals, universities, or utilities–which are tied to a location due to infrastructure or mission. Entities that provide critical services and vital assets to improve economy, health, environment and well-being in communities. Organizations that provide active civic leadership and… Continue reading Water Utilities as Anchor Institutions
Op-ed: We have the cash. It’s time to fix New Jersey’s water systems.
The American Rescue Plan has provided New Jersey state and local budgets with a surplus that can be used immediately to upgrade our failing water infrastructure, complete long-awaited health and safety improvements, and spur economic growth by ensuring that local contracting results in local jobs. The American Rescue Plan delivered a total of $10 billion… Continue reading Op-ed: We have the cash. It’s time to fix New Jersey’s water systems.
What Goes into Making Drinking Water Safe to Drink? Learn from Jersey WaterCheck Metrics
Jersey WaterCheck, which launched in March 2021, is a Jersey Water Works project that features more than 50 metrics related to our drinking water and wastewater systems. Recently, we created a short video to explain the context and nuances of the metric “met primary drinking water standards that protect against harmful bacteria.” Drinking water utilities… Continue reading What Goes into Making Drinking Water Safe to Drink? Learn from Jersey WaterCheck Metrics
Significant Water Legislation Nears the Finish Line
The New Jersey Legislature broke for the summer delivering a multitude of water-related bills to Governor Murphy, all of which advance the goals of Jersey Water Works. The passage of these bills represents a significant commitment to upgrading New Jersey’s water infrastructure, ensuring clean drinking water, and protecting our waterways. A2374/S1953—Directs EDA to establish program… Continue reading Significant Water Legislation Nears the Finish Line
Use billions from infrastructure deal, COVID-19 aid to fix water problems in poor communities, advocates urge
Photo Credit: Credit: (ChrisGoldNY via Creative Commons under CC BY-NC 2.0) Wastewater management plant in Newtown Creek, with the skyline of New York City in the background. Incoming Jersey Water Works co-chairs Andy Kricun, from Moonshot Missions & US Water Alliance, and Nicole Miller, from Newark DIG share their thoughts on this ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to… Continue reading Use billions from infrastructure deal, COVID-19 aid to fix water problems in poor communities, advocates urge
Water-the New Oil-An Interview
Honorary Jersey Water Works co-chair, Gov. Florio, and JWW Steering Committee member and Education and Outreach Committee co-chair, Lester Taylor, discussed the importance of investing in water and water infrastructure on the NFN Radio News Podcast.
How More Accurate Water Utility Reporting Could Increase Federal Funds
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards federal grants annually to states for drinking water projects based on a needs survey that is conducted every four years. This aid is provided through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). In New Jersey, the Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) administers the EPA’s Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey… Continue reading How More Accurate Water Utility Reporting Could Increase Federal Funds