2024 Year in Review: Newark Water & Sewer Highlights
Newark Water & Sewer wrapped up 2024 by celebrating the completion of infrastructure projects, the launch of programs, and commemorating this year’s highlights and achievements.
Among these achievements are exceptional water quality, where the latest test results show as low as 0 parts per billion of lead, well below the EPA safety threshold of 15 parts per billion.
“This was a huge year for the Department”, said Kareem Adeem, Director of Newark’s Water and Sewer Utility. “We have hardworking staff that keep our department running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We never stop working to make sure Newark’s water is the best it can be”.
Below are the most notable highlights for 2024.
The Newark-Pequannock Water Treatment Plant is nearing the completion of a $23 million upgrade, which will improve the control and security of plant operations, replace key valves and pumps, and increase the production capacity to 60 million gallons of water per day. Initially announced in 2022, the project is completing its final touches and will be wrapped up in February 2025. Read more about the upgrades here.
In November, Newark Water & Sewer launched its new Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone payment system, where residents can call (973) 733-6370 to talk to our automated system to make payments on their water and sewer bills, report water leaks in the street, and more. Residents can also pay their water bill using our new online payment portal. Learn more here.
In April 2024, the Department launched RainReady Newark, the Department’s very own green infrastructure program, to improve the City’s stormwater management practices, prevent flooding and sewer overflows, and bring more green space to Newark within the next ten years. Examples of green infrastructure are permeable pavements, detention systems, rain gardens, and tree canopies, which not only beautify Newark but also facilitate rainwater capture for improved water quality. A series of community meetings were held this summer to inform residents of local job opportunities and how RainReady will impact their neighborhood.
In July 2024, the program installed its first rain garden on the intersection of Sussex Avenue, Dey Street, and Central Avenue, a busy intersection just steps away from the NJIT and Rutgers Newark campuses. The traffic triangle at Clinton Avenue and Badger Avenue is another green infrastructure site that has begun construction. At least 10 locations throughout the city are slated for design in 2025. Learn more about RainReady Newark here.
In November, Newark Water & Sewer Director Kareem Adeem attended President Joe Biden’s event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Biden announced the final lead and copper rule that requires water systems to replace all lead pipes within the next 10 years. Read here to learn how Newark is already leaps ahead of this new rule.
Newark engineers and representatives attended various conferences this year to network, learn more about strides in the water industry, and present research. Among them were the 2024 American Water Works Association (AWWA) New Jersey Section Conference, which focused on PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”) research and removal from water supplies. Newark Water & Sewer was the recipient of two awards from AWWA NJ, which recognized the Department’s innovation in the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program, and the city’s dedication to employee support and professional development.
Newark also attended the Jersey Water Works Conference at The College of New Jersey, where we discussed progress on green infrastructure projects and the importance of stormwater management for the future of sustainable cities.
In October, Newark Water & Sewer released the Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater, which provides detailed steps property owners should take to prepare for heavy rain events. Are you a homeowner? Is your property ready for rain? Read the full guide here.
Newark Water & Sewer completed the Peddie Ditch Netting Facility near the Newark Liberty International Airport, which is crucial in keeping garbage and litter out of Newark’s sewer system and waterways.
Newark’s Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) program is featured in a major exhibition entitled Health Is a Human Right: Achieving Health Equity at the CDC Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. Newark’s program is recognized for setting the stage in expediting the replacement of lead service lines in residential homes, further protecting the health and safety of over 305,000 residents. The exhibit will be open to the public until August 1, 2025. Read more here.
Newark Water & Sewer attended two major college-student outreach events at the NJIT and Rutgers-Newark campuses in the Fall of 2024. Representatives shared career resources and professional opportunities with over 100 students interested in working or interning for Newark’s water system.
In August 2024, Newark used sophisticated SmartBall® technology for the first time in a water main inspection. In collaboration with Xylem, Newark is exploring new technologies like the SmartBall to identify leak locations in water pipes throughout the city. Read more here.
The Department gave back to the community in two major ways this year! For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Newark Water & Sewer was a Silver Sponsor at the 2024 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. For the holidays, employees donated just over 100 toys for outpatient children at University Hospital at their annual toy drive.
“2024 was a great year, but there is still much work to do”, says Director Adeem, who has served as the Department’s Director since 2018. “There are many projects to embark on in 2025. And we have a strong crew and group of engineers to help us get the work done”.
Director Adeem invites residents to follow the Department on social media to keep up with Newark Water & Sewer updates ahead of the new year.
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