New Jersey American Water seeking new rates for recovery of investments

In an effort to get reimbursed for significant investments made to their systems, New Jersey American Water files a petition with the state board of public utilities for new rates.

They're hoping for new rates following the $868-million investments in water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades its made since the last rate adjustment in 2015.

"In less than three years, we have invested more than $868 million in infrastructure upgrades, including over 1 million feet of water main, to ensure continued water quality, service reliability and fire protection for the more than 2.7 million people who depend on us every day," said Robert G. MacLean, president of New Jersey American Water, in a statement. "Not only are these investments critical to the public's health and safety, but they also support the economic health of the communities we serve. This level of
investment contributes to the creation of close to 14,000 jobs across the state."

Projects include expansion of the Oak Glen water treatment facility in Monmouth County and construction of an iron removal facility in Toms River. (See the full list below).

NJAM also made investments to replace or fix-up over 200 miles of aging water mains in the state and they're making that known in this latest rate request.

They also renewed some aging water mains on a "90-to-100-year cycle" ,obtaining the level drawn out by the state's recently approved Water Quality and Accountability Act.

"According to the latest report card issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers earlier this year, the nation's water infrastructure was graded a 'D' and the wastewater infrastructure was graded a 'D-plus'," said MacLean. "As the provider of water and/or wastewater services to nearly one in three people in the state, New Jersey American Water is committed to making needed investments to proactively upgrade infrastructure to ensure reliable service."

Here are just some of their critical infrastructure projects they say are included in the rate request:

• Expansion of the Oak Glen Water Treatment Facility to serve the needs of the company's Monmouth County service area.

• Flood protection project at the Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Facility to ensure the continued sustainability of the water supply for more than 1 million people in seven counties in Central New Jersey.

• Construction of an iron removal facility in Toms River, Ocean County, as well as iron removal upgrades to other systems for improved water quality and service for customers.

• Replacement of several aging, critical, large-diameter transmission mains in the Coastal region.

• Conversion from chlorine gas to an on-site sodium hypochlorite generation system at the Delaware River Regional Water Treatment Plant to improve safety.

• Needed system improvements to the Jumping Brook, Swimming River, Delaware River, Canoe Brook and Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plants.

• Replacement or upgrades to dozens of wells, pumping stations and other critical facilities serving customers in service areas throughout the state.

• Sewer system upgrades throughout the company's statewide service areas including sewer mains, lift stations and other infrastructure in Ocean City, Lakewood and Haddonfield.

More From WOBM: