Salem and Manville Voters Decisively Approve Selling Water, Sewer Systems to New Jersey American Water in Ballot Referendums

Rhea-AI Summary

New Jersey American Water (NYSE: NJAW) gains voter approval for acquisition of water and sewer systems in Salem City and Manville, adding over 2,300 and 3,700 customers respectively. The company plans to invest $68 million in Salem City and $16.5 million in Manville for infrastructure improvements. This follows a series of successful referendums since 2019, demonstrating strong community support for the company's expansion and commitment to service quality.

“Yes” Votes Come on the Heels of Three Successful Referendums Since 2019

CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Voters in both Salem City and the Borough of Manville have decisively approved ballot referendums to transfer ownership of water and sewer operations to New Jersey American Water. Voters in Salem City approved the sale of the City’s water and sewer system with over 60% of the vote, which will add more than 2,300 water and 2,300 sewer customers to the company’s operations. Voters in Manville approved the sale of the Borough’s sewer system with more than 80% of the vote, which will add more than 3,700 sewer customers to the company’s operations. New Jersey American Water is the current water provider for Manville.

“I want to thank the residents, elected officials, and community leaders in both Salem City and the Borough of Manville for supporting their respective referendums and entrusting us with their water and sewer systems,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “Water and sewer is all we do, and we are deeply committed to making the necessary improvements to these systems to help ensure clean, safe, reliable and affordable service for all residents. We look forward to getting started and working hard to deliver upon the commitments we made.”

In Salem City, New Jersey American Water will invest $68 million, including an $18 million purchase price and over $50 million in infrastructure investments over the first 10 years of ownership. The system upgrades include a robust capital improvement plan, including critical system upgrades, implementation of PFNA treatment and repairing the City’s aging water and sanitary sewer infrastructure.

In Manville, New Jersey American Water will invest $16.5 million, including a $6.5 million purchase price and $10 million in infrastructure investments over the first 10 years of ownership. The system upgrades include addressing inflow and infiltration, flood mitigation efforts, and sewer main repairs and replacements. The $6.5 million sale proceeds will be used to pay off all municipal debt and stabilize property taxes.

Both sales include short- and long-term rate stability commitments.

This year’s voter referendum follows three other successful New Jersey American Water referendums across the state since 2019, including Somerville in 2022, Bound Brook in 2021, and Long Hill in 2019. Additionally, in June 2023, the company closed on its acquisition of the water and sewer systems of Egg Harbor City through the Water Infrastructure Protection Act, or WIPA, process.

New Jersey American Water anticipates completing both acquisitions in the second half of 2024, following approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231109808898/en/

Media:

Denise Venuti Free

Senior Director of Communications and External Affairs

856-955-4874

denise.free@amwater.com

Source: New Jersey American Water

FAQ

What did voters in Salem City approve?

Voters in Salem City approved the sale of the City’s water and sewer system with over 60% of the vote, adding more than 2,300 water and 2,300 sewer customers to New Jersey American Water's operations.

What is New Jersey American Water's investment plan for Salem City and Manville?

New Jersey American Water plans to invest $68 million in Salem City and $16.5 million in Manville for infrastructure improvements over the first 10 years of ownership.

What are the commitments included in the sales of water and sewer systems?

Both sales include short- and long-term rate stability commitments.

What other successful referendums has New Jersey American Water had since 2019?

The company had successful referendums in Somerville in 2022, Bound Brook in 2021, and Long Hill in 2019, demonstrating strong community support for its expansion.

When does New Jersey American Water anticipate completing the acquisitions in Salem City and Manville?

The company anticipates completing both acquisitions in the second half of 2024, pending approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.