Newark Attends the 2024 Jersey Water Works Conference
Newark attends the 2024 Jersey Water Works Conference at The College of New Jersey to Discuss Lead Service Line Replacement, Green Infrastructure, and Stormwater Utilities
December 16, 2024 — Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Newark Water & Sewer engineers and representatives attended the 2024 Jersey Water Works Conference to discuss progress on green infrastructure projects, highlight the model lead service line replacement program, and analyze the feasibility of a stormwater utility in the City of Newark.
State, local, and industry leaders gathered last Friday to assess New Jersey’s progress on key stormwater management issues, such as combined sewer overflows (CSOs), flooding, and aging water infrastructure.
The banner seen upon entering the conference at The College of New Jersey Brower Student Center.
Photo Credit: Newark Water & Sewer
The conference also focused on the EPA’s Final Lead and Copper Rule issued in October, which requires all water systems to replace lead service lines within the next ten years. Newark has already replaced every known lead service line in the city.
Newark Water & Sewer Director Kareem Adeem spoke in a panel called “Unlocking the Potential of Stormwater Utilities: Perspectives and Progress in New Jersey”, where he stated that Newark is considering establishing a stormwater utility in the future.
“Establishing a stormwater utility is an option we are exploring”, said Director Adeem in the panel discussion. “Doing so is a great opportunity to focus on stormwater projects that will mitigate flooding, improve water quality, and ultimately benefit Newark residents”.
Director Kareem Adeem speaking about the feasibility of stormwater utilities at the panel discussion.
Photo Credit: Newark Water & Sewer
The Newark Water & Sewer team and partners at the conference, with Director Adeem pictured in the center.
Photo Credit: Newark Water & Sewer
Earlier this year, Newark Water & Sewer launched RainReady, Newark’s very own green infrastructure program that will plant more trees, improve rainwater capture, and bring more jobs to local residents. Learn more about the program here.
The event also commemorates the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act, which places drinking water treatment regulations on over 90 water contaminants and ensures public health and safety.
“Fifty years ago, the federal government signed the right to clean drinking water into law. Newark has and will always put our residents first in making sure their drinking water is of the highest quality”, said Director Adeem.
Among others in attendance were representatives from CDM Smith, New Jersey American Water, and other municipal water systems working to improve their stormwater management strategies.
“Our young engineers learn a lot from conferences like these,” says Director Adeem, who encourages young engineers at Newark to pursue professional development opportunities. “Everything we learn here, we take back home with us so we can get to work on what our residents need and deserve”.
To learn more about Jersey Water Works and their water infrastructure initiatives, visit their official website at https://www.jerseywaterworks.org/.