The American Jobs Plan includes $111 billion to replace all LSLs and upgrade water infrastructure. This NJ Spotlight News article inquires whether the funds will enable full LSL replacement in New Jersey. JWW leaders Dan Van Abs, Mark Mauriello, and Chris Sturm say that cities like Newark have proven that total LSL replacement can be affordable and efficient, and NJ’s potential share of federal funds can make a significant difference for the state’s water infrastructure.

April 25 - May 1 is Water Week, designated to elevate water as a national priority. The timely week focuses on conversations about federal water policy, dedicated water infrastructure funding, and a federal low-income assistance program for water. Check out resources and two virtual events today, April 29, on public support for water infrastructure and the National Water Reuse Action Plan.

According to the CDC, the United States has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world. May 2 - 8 is Drinking Water Week, dedicated to valuing the drinking water that comes out of taps and honoring the professionals that work to ensure that reliable drinking water is available  when you need it. United for Infrastructure Week (May 10-14) highlights infrastructure’s critical role in our daily lives. Check out two webinars on water infrastructure during the week.

Let us know what you’re working on throughout each week so that we can share it on JWW social media!

Register to attend Lead-Free NJ's first membership meeting TONIGHT from 6:30 to 8:15 pm. You'll hear from US Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. and NJ Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner of Environmental Justice and Equity Olivia Glenn. Learn more and participate in the campaign to make New Jersey lead-free!

On April 22, NJDEP announced the release of New Jersey’s Climate Change Resilience Strategy. The strategy outlines six major priorities to align communities, economies, and infrastructure in long-term resilience. The effects of climate change have exacerbated poor water quality,  and the recommended resilient water and water infrastructure practices represent a step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change in New Jersey.

Did you know that, according to a recent public opinion survey, 75% of New Jerseyans support additional investment in water infrastructure? Check out Jersey WaterCheck to learn more about water infrastructure metrics. The Jersey WaterCheck Data Advisory Committee met for the first time since the launch of Jersey WaterCheck’s website. The committee has expanded to include additional utility and communications expertise, which help guide the next phase of the dashboard’s development.

A2863/S968—Requires public water systems to provide notice of elevated lead levels in drinking water to customers and local officials; requires landlords to notify tenants of elevated lead levels. Passed both Houses on March 25.

A5343—Requires public community water systems to inventory and replace lead service lines within 10 years; provides for recoupment of costs by investor-owned public water systems. Passed by the Assembly on March 25. Received in the Senate, referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on April 26.

A5407—Removes restrictions on special assessments and bond issuances for replacement of residential lead service lines; revises budgetary requirements for operators of certain water systems. Passed by the Assembly on March 25. Received in the Senate, referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on April 26.

S3414—Promotes workforce diversity in public works projects; revises "public works projects" definition to permit project labor agreements for more projects. Passed both Houses on March 25.

S3396—Requires BPU to post on its website a report from public utility on public utility's capital investments in response to petition from public utility to increase rates. Reported from Senate Economic Growth Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading on March 11.

S3693—Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services. Introduced in the Senate, referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee on April 26.

A5407—Removes restrictions on special assessments and bond issuances for replacement of residential lead service lines; revises budgetary, maintenance, and reporting requirements for operators of certain water systems. Passed by the Assembly on March 25. Received in the Senate, referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on April 26.

A2846—Permits certain local units and authorities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees and other charges for low-income persons. Reported out of the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee with Amendments, and referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee on March 15.

A5343—Requires public community water systems to inventory and replace lead service lines within 10 years; provides for recoupment of costs by investor-owned public water systems. Passed by the Assembly on March 25. Received in the Senate, referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on April 26.

A5407—Removes restrictions on special assessments and bond issuances for replacement of residential lead service lines; revises budgetary, maintenance, and reporting requirements for operators of certain water systems. Passed by the Assembly on March 25. Received in the Senate, referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on April 26.

The Water Center at Penn and WaterNow Alliance recently launched Navigate the Flood, a new online guide with technical and financial resources to support decision-makers and city and utility staff as they tackle their local flood and stormwater challenges.

The Water Research Foundation released the Community-enabled Lifecycle Analysis of Stormwater Infrastructure Costs (CLASIC) tool, a screening tool utilizing a lifecycle cost framework to support stormwater infrastructure decisions on extent and combinations of green, hybrid green-gray and gray infrastructure practices.

NJ Board of Public Utilities Acoustic Testing Pilot Program: applications due May 15, 2021.

US EPA Training and Technical Assistance for Wastewater Treatment Works for the Prevention, Reduction, and Elimination of Pollution: applications due May 17, 2021.

Stockholm International Water Institute 2022 Stockholm Water Prize: nominations due September 30, 2021. 

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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