Newark Water in the News
Catch up with all the latest updates and stories from Newark’s Water and Sewer Utility.
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Newark Breaks Ground on Sal Bontempo Green Infrastructure Project
The Newark Water & Sewer Utility, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Municipal Council, and partners broke ground at Sal Bontempo Park, a green infrastructure project that will improve stormwater management and beautify the area with a new and improved green, recreational space.
The AI Interview with Kareem Adeem: Newark’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Newark Water & Sewer Director Kareem Adeem discusses the city’s long-term water infrastructure plan amid population growth and aging infrastructure.*This interview is featured on Page 58 of the March/April 2026 Issue of the American Infrastructure Magazine.
Featured: Newark named a ‘Municipal Trendsetter’ by the Trenchless Technology Magazine
Trenchless Technology Magazine names Newark, NJ a “Municipal Trendsetter” for utilizing trenchless methods of construction since the 1990s to enhance its water and sewer infrastructure. Click to read more.
Featured: City of Newark Goes Trenchless to Repair Historic Pequannock Aqueducts
The City of Newark uses trenchless repair methods during major rehabilitation work on the historic, twin Pequannock Aqueducts. Click here to read more on the March 2026 Issue of the Trenchless Technology Magazine.
Featured: Newark’s Water Infrastructure Lessons for 2026
Newark shares its thoughts on how to navigate water infrastructure projects in the midst of a significant construction boom and population growth. *Featured on Page 18 of the Jan/Feb 2026 Issue of the American Infrastructure Magazine.
$20.5 M Upgrades Completed at the Newark-Pequannock Water Treatment Plant
September 17, 2025 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark Water & Sewer Utility Director Kareem Adeem, and officials cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of the $20.5 million upgrade of the Newark-Pequannock Water Treatment Plant.
From NJ I-Bank: Peddie Ditch CSO Project closes on NJ I-Bank loans, saving ratepayers $4,127,709
Peddie Ditch, a netting facility that keeps trash out of the nearby Passaic River and prevents flooding, received 100% forgiveness on NJ I-Bank loans, saving Newark bill payers over $4.1 million.
Upgrades at Newark’s Pequannock Water Treatment Plant: A Summary
Newark’s Pequannock Water Treatment Plant (PWTP) now has the capacity to treat 60 million gallons of water per day after undergoing its largest upgrade since first constructed in 1989. *This article is featured in the July/August 2025 Issue of the American Infrastructure Magazine.
Featured: How Newark is Utilizing Smarter Solutions to Future-Proof Water Infrastructure
The City of Newark Water and Sewer Utility is making proactive strides to strengthen its water system by using advanced pipe inspection technology. Featured in the American Infrastructure Magazine
From ABC7 NY: Newark tackles lead pipe crisis head-on, by cutting red tape and gaining public trust
Newark addressed its water crisis by replacing thousands of lead pipes in record time through effective local legislation. Read more on abc7ny.com.
From NJ I-Bank: Newark South and Adams Street Drain Improvement Project receives NJ I-Bank loans, saving ratepayers $2,260,844
Newark’s drainage enhancement project at Adams Street and South Street is utilizing low-interest loans from the NJ I-Bank, saving Newark bill payers over $2.2 million.
From NJ.com: Beyond lead, Newark upgrades water treatment plant to boost capacity and water quality
Newark will break ground on a $23 million upgrade to its Pequannock Water Treatment Plant meant to enhance the taste of city water, boost capacity in anticipation of increased demand, and keep the cost of water down.
From InsiderNJ: Mayor Baraka Testifies in D.C. on Implementation of Newark’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Mayor Baraka testified to the Senate Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife during a stakeholder hearing on the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act about Newark’s model Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
From NJ.com: “When it comes to drinking water, some see Newark as a model for cities trying to get the lead out”
Click to read NJ.com's coverage on Newark's Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
From NJ Spotlight News: Replacement of lead service lines in Newark pays off
The city is nearly finished replacing all 23,000 lead service lines with copper pipes, as of September 2021.