Replaced aging water mains Over 5 miles of water main, including valves and customer service lines to the curb were upgraded or replaced. In addition, New Jersey American Water used Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to map the entire distribution system, which allows us to locate facilities and address emergencies in a timely and efficient manner.
Valve inspection and replacement One of the leading causes of discolored water and inadequate fire flow was broken valves in the distribution system. New Jersey American Water conducts a rigorous annual valve inspection and exercise program. As part of that effort, 63 percent of the valves in the Borough were replaced. This work significantly decreased the number of discolored water and low pressure complaints.
Reliability Prior to acquisition, the Borough had only one supply feed from New Jersey American Water from which they purchased all of their supply. After the acquisition, three additional supply feeds were added, improving system reliability and enhancing the ability to circulate water and ensure quality water service throughout the system.
Meter replacements Within the first year, all 1,800 meters were replaced with Radio Frequency (RF) meters. The conversion to RF meters eliminates the need to estimate meter readings, providing customers with actual reads of water usage around which to base their decisions regarding water use. Plus, the readings can be completed without ever needing to gain access to the customer’s property.

WASTEWATER SYSTEM SALE

The Need: Similar to the water system, much of the Borough’s sewer system was constructed in the 1930s and 1940s and reaching the end of its useful life. The elected leaders in Mount Ephraim commissioned their municipal engineer to evaluate and develop a capital improvement plan for the wastewater collection system. That report confirmed the need to make significant investment – $1.5 million in the two existing pump stations alone - into the aging system or risk further deterioration or failure of the system.

New Jersey American Water utility worker wearing safety gear in front of truck

The Solution: In April 2018, the Borough requested Bids for the sale of the system. New Jersey American Water bid $1.4 million and was selected as the successful bidder. A public referendum was held in November 2018, and voters overwhelmingly approved sale by a 4:1 margin. New Jersey American Water took over operations of the system in July 2019.

THE RESULTS

To date, New Jersey American Water has invested $2.2 million into the wastewater system. The investments included two sewer main replacement projects coordinated with the Borough’s road paving program, pump replacements and the purchase of emergency backup pumps, the addition of equipment to the Harding Avenue pump station to prevent sewer backups and prolong the life of the station’s pumping equipment, and the installation of control and data acquisition equipment to both pump stations. By the end of the year, New Jersey American Water will complete replacement of the Second Avenue Pump Station, investing an additional $2.3 million.

BOTTOM LINE

The Borough’s sale of the municipal water and sewer systems to New Jersey American Water resulted in much needed capital investments to upgrade the aging infrastructure. With the ability to finance necessary capital investments in the most cost effective manner, New Jersey American Water was able to make necessary improvements to the systems without significant impact to the rates of the Borough’s residents.

03-2022