November 2017
Photo of the Month 
Photo: Gitanjali Rao, a seventh-grader from Colorado, has been awarded $25,000 for designing a compact device to detect lead in drinking water. (CNN)
The Cost of Inaction
Often overlooked, our water infrastructure isn't noticed until something goes wrong. This section spotlights the everyday consequences felt by the residents of New Jersey of not investing in our water systems.


Member Highlights

The Association of Environmental Authorities of New Jersey featured a panel on the Water Quality Accountability Act at its annual conference. The panel included Jersey Water Works Steering Committee members Rick Risoldi of Middlesex Water Company and Andy Kricun of the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority .

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities'  annual conference included learning events focused on water resources featuring Jersey Water Works members from Maser Consulting , T&M Associates , and New Jersey Future as speakers.

Volunteers from Harrison community groups and schools joined Harrison TIDE (Transforming Infrastructure and Defending our Environment) partners including the Town of Harrison , Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission , Jersey Water Works , New Jersey Future , and the Surdna Foundation , to plant rain gardens that promote infiltration of stormwater that runs off the library's roof.

The City of Hoboken gained national recognition and an honorable mention from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its innovative use of funds from the New Jersey State Revolving Fund to implement a city-wide stormwater management campaign and green infrastructure initiative, featuring two parks designed to handle stormwater flows more effectively.

The City of Hoboken , City of Jersey City , and the Township of Weekhawken received recently released funds from the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development for the Hudson River Rebuild By Design project.
"This is a major milestone for the long-term resiliency of our city. Thanks to strong community support, Hoboken is now on track to work with the State of New Jersey, Weehawken, and Jersey City towards the final design of this project over the next 18 to 24 months." - Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has taken action to reduce the risk of contamination in drinking water . New Jersey will become the first state to set formal maximum contaminant levels requiring statewide testing of public drinking water systems for two chemicals: perfluorooctoanoic acid and perfluorononanoic acid.

Jersey Water Works and its partners the AEA-NJ and the AWWA-NJ have announced the four winners of the 2017 New Jersey One Water Awards :
The inaugural New Jersey One Water Awards program honors implemented water infrastructure programs or projects that address water issues holistically.

Jersey Water Works' Municipal Outreach Committee , along with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Urban Mayors' Association , organized a workshop titled Making the Case for Investment in Water Infrastructure . The event was attended by municipal officials, water system technicians, attorneys, and others seeking information on the Water Quality Accountability Act.

New Jersey Future 's Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure program successfully installed a rain garden in the Town of Newton's Memory Park with help from the Wallkill River Watershed Management Group, the Town of Newton, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program , Cerbo's Greenhouse and Nursery in Newton, and students from Newton's Merriam Avenue School.

Want to see your organization featured here? Email Brian Caycho with your updates.


 Jersey Water Works Updates

The Community Engagement Committee has developed and published a collection of educational resources on water infrastructure for inside and outside of school. The collection includes videos, worksheets, games, and more. 

The Best Practices Committee has developed and published a new resource, a combined-sewer overflow solutions fact sheet. This fact sheet summarizes a case study on the Impact of Proper Maintenance of Combined Sewer Overflow System on Flooding in the City of Camden.

Jersey Water Works Conference

OUR CONFERENCE IS THIS FRIDAY! Join us for the third annual Jersey Water Works conference on Friday, Dec. 1, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark to:
Thank you to our Conference Advisory Committee members: Rosana Da Silva, Rutgers University Water Resources Program; Frederic Pocci, North Hudson Sewerage Authority; Drew Curtis, Ironbound Community Corporation; Erin Rice, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825; and Katherine Lawrence, City of Jersey City Division of Planning.
 
New Resources 

Developing a New Framework for Community Affordability of Clean Water Services .  The United States Environmental Protection Agency contracted with the National Academy of Public Administration to conduct an independent study to create a definition of, and framework for, community affordability of clean water . The findings and recommendations of this report aim to supplement current actions and to assist EPA in providing continued valuable guidance and support to communities as they pursue clean, affordable water for their citizens.
Job Opportunities

Community Building Coordinator (Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey)
The Network is hiring a community building coordinator, to support its member organizations and advance its neighborhood revitalization efforts through policy and advocacy as well as technical assistance and training. The position is based in Trenton but requires in-state travel. Please share this opportunity with anyone who you think might be interested.
 
Wastewater Operator (Woodard & Curran)
Woodard & Curran is hiring a wastewater operator to participate regularly  in the daily operations and maintenance of its industrial wastewater treatment facilities and collection and distribution systems. The position is based in Bound Brook.
Requests for Proposals

StormCon 2018 is issuing a call for papers . The 2018 conference will feature six program tracks: Stormwater Infrastructure and Best Management Practices; Green Infrastructure; Stormwater Permit Compliance; Funding, Staffing and Managing the Stormwater Program; Industrial Stormwater Management; Research and Testing. Deadline: Dec. 6

TD Green Streets grant program is offering eligible municipalities one of 10 $20,000 grants in support of local forestry projects in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. Deadline: Dec. 11

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Wildlife Habitat Council are awarding approximately $2 million in grants nationwide as part of the 2018 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program . Deadline: Jan. 31

Water Infrastructure in the News

New Jersey:
How rain gardens work  ( TAPinto Morristown )
Opinion: A plan to fix state's aging water infrastructure ( New Jersey Conservation Foundation )

Nationwide:

Jersey Water Works is a collaborative effort working to transform New Jersey's inadequate water infrastructure through sustainable, cost-effective solutions that provide communities with clean water and waterways; healthier, safer neighborhoods; local jobs; flood and climate resilience; and economic growth.

Jersey Water Works welcomes individuals and organizations committed to working towards transforming New Jersey's inadequate water infrastructure through sustainable, cost-effective solutions that provide communities multiple benefits. 

Like, Follow and Share Jersey Water Works! 
Staff Contacts: 

Managing Director, Policy  and Water
New Jersey Future
609-393-0008 x114
Jane Rosenblatt
Program Manager
New Jersey Future
609-393-0008 x110
Program Coordinator
New Jersey Futrue
609-393-0008 x106
Planning and Policy Associate
New Jersey Future
609-393-0008 x108
Community Outreach Coordinator
New Jersey Future