Until recently, water infrastructure in New Jersey has remained largely out of sight, out of mind, lulling us into a false sense of security. However, we are now starting to see our lack of investment coming back to haunt us.
We cannot swim in the Passaic River because of pollution. Children in Camden walk through sewage that has backed up onto the streets because the pipes cannot handle the rain. Commuters sit in snarled traffic in Hoboken as crews repair water main breaks. And across the state, parents fear the danger of lead in water fountains at their children's schools.
Assessment surveys conducted in 2012 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimate that New Jersey needs to spend a combined $25 billion over the next 20 years on its wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water infrastructure to ensure reliability and keep up with demand.
But investments in water systems also have a long term economic payoff. The Value of Water Campaign's report, The Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure, finds that for every $1 million of capital invested in water infrastructure, some 15 jobs are generated. Further, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis finds that every $1 spent on water infrastructure leverages another $2.62 in annual economic activity.
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4. Join in the efforts of multi-sector leaders and partnerships in New Jersey pursuing a sustainable water future
There's work to be done, but our new governor has partners ready to assist. Since 2015, the Jersey Water Works collaborative has convened hundreds of stakeholders to develop a plan for transforming New Jersey's water infrastructure. In addition, several organizations in New Jersey have developed their own practical recommendations for smart water investments, including the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, and New Jersey Future.
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