Press Releases
West Broad Street project launches first phase of $7 million in planned system investments
CAMDEN, N.J. – July 28, 2026 – Just weeks after completing its acquisition of the Hopewell Borough water system, New Jersey American Water is investing approximately $1.8 million in water infrastructure improvements to strengthen reliability, enhance fire protection and support long-term service for customers in the community. This project is part of the company’s long-term commitment to upgrading aging infrastructure across the more than 190 communities it serves in New Jersey.
The project includes replacing approximately one-half mile of aging 6-inch cast iron water main with new 12-inch ductile iron pipe along West Broad Street between Louellen Street and Windsor Way. The work also includes installing two new fire hydrants and replacing 47 company-owned service lines.
"New Jersey American Water is hitting the ground running and getting right to work replacing water mains and upgrading lead and galvanized service lines," said Mayor Ryan Kennedy. "Coming at the same time residents receive their final water bill from Hopewell Borough, the transition to New Jersey American Water is a big step forward for our infrastructure and long-term affordability."
"This investment reflects our commitment to quickly deliver on the promises we made to Hopewell Borough customers and elected officials during the acquisition process," said Roger Shaffer, senior manager of field operations for Central Operations of New Jersey American Water. " Within weeks of completing the acquisition, we're already making improvements that will strengthen reliability today while supporting more than $7 million in planned investments over the next five years."
As part of this work, if lead or galvanized piping is identified, New Jersey American Water will work with the property owner to replace the entire service line from the curb to the home as part of a statewide initiative to remove all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031.
The project is moving forward this summer in coordination with Mercer County's planned paving of West Broad Street, allowing New Jersey American Water to complete critical water infrastructure improvements before the roadway is resurfaced. Work is already underway and is expected to be completed by early October. Crews will work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekend work is not anticipated unless needed to maintain the project schedule. Traffic patterns may change as construction progresses, and motorists should expect periodic traffic impacts and detours within the project area. New Jersey American Water will work closely with Hopewell Borough to provide updates as work advances.
The project will be performed by New Jersey American Water's qualified contractor, CRJ Contracting Corp., with traffic control coordinated in partnership with local officials to support safe travel around work areas. Access to homes and driveways will be maintained throughout construction. Daily cleanup will occur, and where excavation is required, temporary restoration will be installed. Permanent restoration will follow once the soil has settled, typically about 90 days after project completion.
In addition to the West Broad Street water main replacement project, New Jersey American Water is preparing for a broader meter modernization initiative throughout the borough. This will include installing outdoor meter pits near the roadway on customers’ properties and relocating water meters from inside homes to the new meter pit. Upgrading and moving meters outdoors will help provide more accurate reads based on actual usage, reduce estimated bills over time and eliminate the need to access homes for future meter reading and maintenance activities. Customers will receive additional information before that work begins.
Customers are strongly encouraged to log in to their MyWater account, update contact information, and choose how they wish to receive project notifications. Individuals who are not New Jersey American Water account holders can sign up for alerts at AWCodeRed.com or by texting WATER to 24639. Keeping contact information current will help ensure customers receive important updates about construction projects, emergency notifications and future planned work. Customers can also learn more about New Jersey American Water's service in Hopewell Borough by visiting amwater.com/njaw/Customer-Service-Billing/For-New-Customers/Hopewell. Customers can also access the page by visiting njamwater.com, selecting “Customer Service & Billing,” choosing “New Customers” from the dropdown menu and clicking “Hopewell.”
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 with approximately 875 dedicated employees working to provide 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