May 2020
Drinking Water Week Celebrates Water Professionals

Drinking Water Week, which was May 3-9, recognized the valuable role water plays in our daily lives. Explore the hashtags #DrinkingWaterWeek and #NJCelebratesDrinkingWaterWeek on social media to see how utilities, community members, and organizations value water, the infrastructure required to carry it, and the essential workers who ensure you are delivered safe, reliable drinking water 24/7.

The graphic above , from the American Water Works Association, is a children's activity sheet used in their Drinking Water Week educational materials. See more on the AWWA website .
JWW Member Organizations on COVID Response Committees

Leaders from JWW member organizations, including UTCA, American Water, Suez Water, and AECOM, are participating in the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee of the Governor’s Restart and Advisory Council to advance New Jersey’s economic recovery during the COVID-19 outbreak. JWW Steering Committee members Peter Kasabach and Dennis Hart, and JWW members Staci Berger and Peter Chen are participating on other subcommittees as well.

Similarly, Assembly Speaker Coughlin’s Economic Advisory Council includes leaders from JWW member organizations Rutgers University, NJ American Water, and Edgewood Properties.
Register for the JWW Membership Meeting on July 20!

The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted many challenges the water sector has been facing for years, and has emphasized just how essential clean, safe, affordable water; water and wastewater utility workers; and reliable infrastructure are to public health. Join us for a virtual Membership Meeting on Monday, July 20 from 1:30-3:00pm featuring:

  • A panel of state leaders discussing how we can build on our progress to achieve strong water infrastructure for a healthy New Jersey;
  • An update on the JWW data dashboard, Jersey WaterCheck, and how you can use this tool to track our state’s water successes and opportunities;
  • Exciting member updates (email us to add yours to the list!); and top committee highlights.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for an agenda and more information on the event. Not a member yet? Join as a member today and get involved in the collaborative’s work.
NJDEP announces harmful algae bloom (HAB) health alert index

On May 21, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection released a new color-coded index with public health recommendations based on the associated HAB alert levels.
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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:
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Jersey Water Works Updates
Interested in reviewing CSO Long Term Control Plans?
 
On June 9 from 10:00am to 12:00pm, the JWW CSO committee, Newark DIG, and the Sewage Free Streets and Rivers Campaign are hosting a workshop to help community advocates around the state learn how to evaluate the Long Term Control Plans, due Oct. 1, and develop comments for submission to the NJDEP.
How well do CSO reports address JWW goals? Check out our new report.
 
The CSO Committee released a report, Assessing Public Input and Consideration of Green Infrastructure in NJ CSO Reports , to assess how well the CSO Development and Evaluation of Alternatives Reports meet the JWW goals for “Smart CSO Plans.”
Want to get involved? Here’s how you can do it:

Each of the four working committees met recently to connect on their projects and goals for the year . Join the committees as they work to advance water and sewer affordability; develop and promote resources on water infrastructure, workforce development, and Long Term Control Plans; and recommend best practices for green infrastructure. Join a committee today to get involved in these projects and more!
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Legislative Updates
 
A4126 - Permits local units and authorities to waive interest and lien enforcement for certain delinquent water and sewer utility payments during emergency circumstances. Passed the Assembly on May 14.
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Water Infrastructure in the News

New Jersey:
Before reopening, flush internal drinking water system in buildings Passaic Valley Water Commission press release

National:
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 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