MOUNT EPHRAIM
BOROUGH
WATER & SEWER SYSTEM SALES ELIMINATE RISK FOR THE BOROUGH & BRING QUALITY SERVICE TO RESIDENTS IN CAMDEN COUNTY
MOUNT EPHRAIM BOROUGH, NJ
Sale of the water system (2007) and then the sewer system (2019) to New Jersey American Water leads to improved service, water quality and fire protection as well as financial flexibility for the local government.
WATER SYSTEM SALE
The Need: Approximately 95 percent of the Borough’s water distribution system pipes, installed in the 1930s and 1940s, had reached the end of their useful life. The aged infrastructure was causing significant instances of discolored water and poor water quality. Additionally, the system’s ability to provide adequate pressure at fire hydrants in various sections of town was severely limited. The system needed a significant capital investment to replace the aging infrastructure and local government officials determined that sale of the water system was the best solution.
The Solution: New Jersey American Water, with over 125 years of experience investing in infrastructure and operating and maintaining water systems, was chosen as the partner. In November 2005, the sale of the water system was placed on the municipal election ballot. The referendum passed with an almost 2:1 margin. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved the sale and New Jersey American Water became the new service provider in May 2007.
THE RESULTS
Since acquiring the Borough’s system, New Jersey American Water has invested approximately $6.6 million in the water distribution system in Mount Ephraim.
Improved fire protection
The first priority was to assess the condition and flow of every fire hydrant in the Borough. Many were found to be non-operational or in poor condition. New Jersey American Water began replacing non-functioning hydrants and 75 percent of fire hydrants have been replaced.
Selling our systems to New Jersey American Water eliminated a lot of risk for our small community. They are the experts on water and sewer and have been able to provide us with quality service at reasonable rates for many years. We know we’re in good hands with New Jersey American Water.