August 2018
Video of the Month
Drone video of flooding in Brick, N.J. after 8 inches of rain fell

Video:  August was full of flooding, and while we cannot control the amount of rain that falls in an hour, we can control the way our green and gray infrastructure systems capture and handle it.  Drone video of flooding in Brick after 8 inches of rain fell ( NJ.com )

The Cost of Inaction
Often overlooked, our water infrastructure isn't noticed until something goes wrong. This section highlights the everyday consequences of not investing in New Jersey's water systems.

News:


 Jersey Water Works Updates

Save the Date: Annual JWW Conference, December 7

The  fourth annual Jersey Water Works Conference will bring together more than 300 stakeholders to focus on innovative ways to upgrade the state's water infrastructure. Use #njwater18 on social media to spread the word and stay up to date. Sponsorship information here .

Join Us at an Upcoming Committee Meeting

Now is a great time to  become a JWW member and join any of our four committees ! JWW committees will be meeting next via teleconference in either late September or early October to continue making progress on their work plan activities.

New Jersey Delegates Attend One Water Summit, Continue Advancing Commitments

More than 30 JWW members attended the One Water Summit as part of the New Jersey delegation, announcing a commitment to build support for investment in water infrastructure, and they continue to meet to discuss how to incorporate the ideas and best practices they learned into Jersey Water Works. The group traveled to Minneapolis to take part in skill-building institutes, interactive workshops, mobile tours, and more.  Read about their experience here . Other JWW members were in attendance at the conference as part of a separate Camden delegation. Stay tuned for more from this group!

Special thanks to the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association for supporting the 2018 New Jersey delegation.

Forthcoming Study: Drinking Water Utility Capital Investment in New Jersey

New Jersey Future has begun a new study to assess the amount of capital investment being made by drinking water utilities in New Jersey. The purpose of the study is to provide baseline data for the Jersey Water Works Measurement System, specifically for the goal of "Wise Management and Spending."

The Asset Management and Finance Committee of Jersey Water Works is advising the project by reviewing and providing feedback on the methodology, data, and forthcoming report. For more details on the project and to participate through involvement in Jersey Water Works, contact Brian Caycho .

Bonds on the Ballot: Residents to Vote on Borrowing Funds to Improve School Capacity, Security and Water Infrastructure

The governor signed into law the "Securing Our Children's Future Bond Act,"  which authorizes a public referendum in the upcoming November election. The ballot question asks voters to approve $500 million in borrowing , with $350 million targeted for vo-tech projects and school security projects; $50 million for county colleges; and the remaining $100 million for school district water supply infrastructure projects designed to improve water quality.

Moen Seeks Water Director

The water director will aid water-fixture designer Moen by focusing on understanding the emerging challenges and opportunities surrounding water and building the bridge between Moen and the various communities of people focused on water throughout the nation.

Pressing Water Questions

How Can We Help Reduce Polluted Runoff in New Jersey?  A new model ordinance and "action" from Sustainable Jersey will help New Jersey communities curb harmful stormwater runoff that pollutes local waterways and contributes to urban flooding.

Why Should Public Water Utilities Care About Branding? Blue Drop President Alan Heymann explores public water utility leadership, communications, and branding with the Rogue Water H2DuO in an episode of their podcast, Water in Real Life.

Where Might We Expect to See New Jersey's First Stormwater Utilities? In this opinion piece, Dan Van Abs, professor of practice at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and member of the JWW Steering Committee, reviews the debate over stormwater utilities and discusses where New Jersey's first stormwater utilities might be established if authorizing legislation is passed.

Member Highlights

The  New Jersey Water Association's annual conference will take place October 17-18 in Atlantic City. Learn more and register  here.


Dan Kennedy, director of environmental and utility operations of Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) and member of the JWW Steering Committee is featured in the June issue of UTCA's magazine, where he discusses  the importance of collaboration to advance water infrastructure goals.  


Western Monmouth Utilities Authority was  recognized as a 2018 Utility of the Future by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for its transformational work in community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of water resources. 
 

The  City of Bayonne hosted its  first public kayaking event, offering an opportunity for residents to connect with local waterways.


New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe  welcomed the largest international gathering of fisheries operators, scientists, and professionals in the country as the American Fisheries Society opened its annual conference in Atlantic City.


Along with other experts,  Pete Kasabach, executive director of New Jersey Future and member of the JWW Steering Committee, discusses the need for water infrastructure investments to support development in New Jersey over the next 20 years.


Raritan Headwaters Association has  achieved national recognition and accreditation for its commitment to professional excellence and maintaining the public trust across its work protecting land that safeguards clean water.

Call for Nominations

New Jersey One Water Awards
Recognizing water infrastructure projects and programs which exemplify the One Water concept: the belief that all water - drinking, storm, and waste - has value that can be unlocked through integrated, inclusive, and innovative management. Applications are due September 30. Learn more and apply here .

ANJEC Environmental Achievement Award
Recognizing exceptional projects carried out by environmental commissions and groups. Projects begun after January 1 and completed by August 31 are eligible. Applications are due September 7. Learn more and apply here .

Governor's Environmental Excellence Award
Recognizing outstanding environmental performance, programs and projects throughout the state. Applications are due October 5. Learn more and apply here .

EPA Campus RainWorks Challenge
Green infrastructure design competition seeking to foster a dialogue about stormwater management and showcase the benefits of green infrastructure. Open to colleges and universities across the country. Applications are due December 14. Learn more and apply here .
Funding Opportunities

Next deadline: November 19
Funds available: Approx. $25K per winner

Next deadline: February 4, 2019
Funds available: $1.2 million
Upcoming Events

September 11-12:  Water and Planning Connect in Kansas City, Missouri
November 16: 2018 NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program Annual Conference
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.
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Staff Contacts: 
Program Manager
New Jersey Future 
609-393-0008 x112 
Program Coordinator
New Jersey Future
609-393-0008 x106
Planning and Policy Manager
New Jersey Future
609-393-0008 x108
Community Outreach Manager
New Jersey Future