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From Treatment to Tap: We're Investing in You

New Jersey American Water is committed to delivering safe and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people across the Garden State.   

To support this mission, we filed a rate adjustment request with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) on January 16, 2026, to help fund over $1.4 billion in critical infrastructure upgrades through December 2026. 

Why We're Investing 

Components of many of our systems’ infrastructure are more than a century old. Planned upgrades will continue improving water quality and reliability by:  

  • Expanding PFAS treatment across multiple systems with $29.5 million investment 
  • Continuing to eliminate utility-owned lead service lines
  • Replacing over 120 miles of aging water and wastewater mains 

For more information on New Jersey American Water’s infrastructure investment efforts, visit newjerseyamwater.com/infrastructure.     

Water System Improvements

We continue to invest in water system upgrades across New Jersey to improve service quality and reliability. Below are examples of water infrastructure upgrades in your community:  

  • Netherwood Wellfield (Plainfield area): We’re investing approximately $20.5 million to install advanced PFAS treatment technology, ensuring safe, high-quality water for your community. 
  • Oak Street Station (Lakewood-Howell): A permanent GAC treatment system is being constructed with an investment of $9 million to remove PFAS and improve water supply reliability. 
  • Jamesburg Tank: We’re dedicating $3.1 million to build a new rechloramination system, helping maintain safe disinfectant levels and protect public health year-round. 
  • Water Storage Tanks (statewide): Our annual investment of $9.3 million supports engineered coating renewals, structural steel repairs, and safety upgrades to extend tank life and enhance fire protection. 
  • Lead Service Line Replacements in Select Towns in Middlesex and Union Counties: With a commitment of $17 million, we’re replacing utility-owned lead service lines in: Hillside, Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle, Roselle Park, Linden, Dunellen and Middlesex to help ensure safe, reliable water for families. 
  • Distribution System Improvements (South Orange Village): We’re investing in upgrades to aging water mains, hydrants, and service lines as part of a broader capital program, benefiting over 5,000 new customers and improving reliability for all. 
  • Pinebrook Road Tank Project (Eatontown): A new ground storage tank, booster pumping station, and generator are being built with an investment of $11.7 million to increase capacity and mitigate flooding risks. 
  • Shark River Intake Improvements (Neptune): We’re investing $1.9 million to upgrade intake structures, replace aging equipment, and improve water source reliability. 
  • Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant Storage Buildings: Two new storage buildings are being constructed for $4.7 million to safely house treatment materials and equipment, supporting critical water treatment processes. 
  • Raritan-Millstone WTP HVAC Upgrades: We’re upgrading HVAC systems for $1.6 million to improve energy efficiency and reliability in our office and laboratory spaces. 

Wastewater System Improvements

We continue to make targeted improvements to wastewater systems in communities across New Jersey:  

  • Bound Brook Mountain Ave Pump Station Replacement: We’re investing $1.8 million to modernize the Bound Brook Pumping Station, improving reliability and preventing overflows in your community. 
  • Long Hill Township Collection & Lining Upgrades: Targeted lining and collection-system upgrades are underway, with a project value of $9.98 million, to reduce infiltration and inflow and modernize plant operations. 
  • Statewide Sewer Asset Renewal Projects: Asset renewal projects are being implemented across New Jersey, with values varying by location, to address aging infrastructure and reduce the risk of backups.  
  • Regent Lift Station Improvements: Reliability and capacity upgrades are being made to handle wet-weather events and reduce surcharge risk, with project values detailed in our capital plan. 
  • PFAS in Wastewater and Biosolids: We’re investing in advanced treatment processes and expanded monitoring programs to meet emerging regulatory requirements and protect environmental health.  
  • Sludge/Biosolids Management: Planning for future rules may require advanced treatment or disposal restrictions for biosolids, with investments supporting compliance and environmental protection.  

 

Supporting Affordability 

We believe that the service we provide should be safe, reliable and affordable. In support of our commitment to affordability, we are proposing:  

  • Expanding monthly bill discounts for customers who receive energy assistance through LIHEAP and USF, making New Jersey American Water the only water utility in the state to offer this level of support. 
  • Passing back savings from a Gross Receipts Tax refund directly to customers. 

 

To learn more about our H2O Help to Others customer assistance program, offering grants, bill discounts, and water-saving devices and education, visit newjerseyamwater.com/H2OProgram.  

What this Means for You 

If the proposed rate adjustment is approved by the BPU as we’ve requested:  

  • The typical average residential water customer (using 5,793 gallons/month) would see a monthly increase of $10.02, from $83.87 to $93.89.  
  • The average residential wastewater sanitary sewer customer (using 5,793 gallons/month) would see an average monthly increase of $8.20, from $77.02 to $85.22.  

With the adjusted rates, the typical residential customer would receive a day’s worth of water (193 gallons) to drink, cook, wash and maintain their general health and well-being for approximately $3.13, which remains a good value for clean, safe, reliable water service delivered straight to customers’ taps.  

This means your water service costs just over a penny per gallon, still approximately a penny, making it an exceptional value for high-quality water delivered directly to your home. 

The video below provides an overview of the rate-making process. To learn more about New Jersey American Water's rates, visit newjerseyamwater.com/rates. 

Questions? 

Please contact us at NJRates@amwater.com