February 2020
On Feb. 15, a water main break caused a road closure on Willow Ave between 13th and 14th Street in Hoboken. Aging water and sewer infrastructure are more prone to main breaks, and the impacts become quickly apparent. Luckily, crews were able to keep the water from freezing on the cold day. Photo courtesy: Hannah Binder.

‌
The Cost of Inaction

Often overlooked, our water infrastructure isn’t noticed until something goes wrong. This section spotlights everyday consequences of not investing in New Jersey’s water systems.

News:
Water main break on Route 130 northbound Courier News and Home News Tribune
Stormwater, lead, resilient water systems, oh my! 

The agenda for New Jersey Future's Redevelopment Forum o n March 6 features several sessions related to water, including stormwater requirements and opportunities, lead in water, and resilient water systems for climate-ready infrastructure. Come see JWW Steering Committee members Dan Kennedy and Andy Kricun speak at the event! Register today and see all of the continuing education credits the forum has to offer.
Governor proposes funding for water infrastructure, lead service line replacement in budget

Governor Phil Murphy delivered his 2021 budget address on February 25 in Trenton. In the announcement, Murphy proposed setting aside $80 million as a down payment for “safe and modern drinking water infrastructure,” such as for lead service line replacement as part of the Governor’s Statewide Plan to Address Lead Exposure. The budget also provides grant funding and new staffing to reduce the frequency and impacts of harmful algal blooms. Read the Budget in Brief and watch the full live stream of the address on the Office of the Governor’s YouTube channel. JWW members can access excerpts about water infrastructure on the JWW member communication portal, Basecamp .


‌
Jersey Water Works Updates
Stay Tuned — Committee Work Plans Coming Soon!

To advance the collaborative's shared goals , our four committees are working on their draft work plans. Don't miss this opportunity to help shape the collaborative's work. Join as a supporting member today and get involved to help kick off the work for 2020. Join a committee today to advance the goals of the collaborative for the year to come, and stay tuned for the upcoming work plans! Upcoming meetings:

  • Green Infrastructure: March 3, 10:30am - 12:00pm in New Brunswick
  • Questions? Contact Kandyce Perry

Tap Into Resilience Summit

Join WaterNow Alliance at the 5th Annual Tap Into Resilience Summit , a 2-day summit for local water decision makers and industry professionals . This unique summit brings together water leaders for two valuable days of networking, conversation, learning, and leadership development on the critical sustainability water challenges of our time. Jersey Water Works is proud to support this event! The agenda features several JWW members, Steering Committee members, and past conference speakers.
‌
Legislative Updates

  • S647, which revises cybersecurity, asset management, and related reporting requirements in WQAA, passed the Senate Budget Committee on Feb. 13.

  • S968/A2863, which 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 the full Senate on Feb. 10. It was referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on Feb. 20.

  • S922, which requires the Local Finance Board to make certain findings prior to dissolution of municipal water authority, passed the full Senate on Feb. 10. It was referred to the Assembly State and Local Government Committee on Feb. 13. An Assembly bill has not yet been introduced.

  • S1457, which permits certain local units and authorities, to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees and other charges for low-income persons, was referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on Feb. 13. It was referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee on Feb. 20.
‌
Water Infrastructure in the News

New Jersey:

National:
Upcoming Events

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.
Want to see your new resource, blog post, event, etc. highlighted in the next email?
Share it with Lauren Belsky !

See what's happening on our social sites
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
510-452-7178