Press Releases

New Jersey American Water shares tips to avoid costly plumbing problems and ways to use water wisely

CAMDEN, N.J. – June 18, 2026 – As families and communities across the Garden State gather to celebrate Juneteenth, Father’s Day, and the first official days of summer, New Jersey American Water is encouraging customers to take a few simple steps to keep the good times flowing and cleanup just as smooth — without unexpected plumbing issues or added household costs.

From burgers on the grill to fried favorites in the kitchen, cookouts can generate more fats, oils and grease, commonly known as FOGs. When poured down the drain, FOGs cool, stick to pipes and build up over time, much like grease lingering on a grill after a cookout, leading to clogs, sewer backups and potentially costly home repairs.

“Summer should be about enjoying time with family and friends, not dealing with a backed-up sink or an unexpected repair bill,” said David Forcinito, vice president of operations, New Jersey American Water. “After a BBQ, it might be tempting to rinse everything down the drain, but that’s often what causes the problem. Toss grease in the trash, be mindful of your water use, and you can avoid headaches later while helping to protect our water resources.”

To help avoid disruptions and protect both plumbing and your wallet:

• Cool it, then trash it: let grease solidify before throwing it away
• Scrape before you rinse: clear plates and cookware into the trash
• Catch the scraps: use a sink strainer to keep food out of drains
• Skip the disposal: garbage disposals won’t prevent grease buildup

At the same time, summer gatherings often bring increased water use indoors and outdoors. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a drought warning, urging residents to voluntarily use water sparingly, and New Jersey American Water’s Mandatory Conservation Notice remains in effect.

Customers can help by:

• Watering only when needed: limit lawn watering to two times per week and avoid midday heat
• Turning off the tap: don’t let water run while cooking, cleaning or brushing teeth
• Running full loads only: use dishwashers and washing machines efficiently
• Sweeping, not spraying: use a broom instead of a hose for driveways and sidewalks

By making small, smart choices, customers can help prevent plumbing problems, avoid unnecessary expenses, and support reliable water service throughout the busy summer season. They should also share these tips with guests and encourage family members, friends and renters to adopt water-saving habits during their stay.

Customers can also track their water usage and find additional water-saving tips through their MyWater account or by visiting New Jersey American Water’s website or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s water conservation website.

About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. 

Media Contact:
Damarah Brown  
Sr. External Affairs Specialist
New Jersey American Water
damarah.brown@amwater.com