Our Stories
Wastewater infrastructure exists largely out of sight, yet reliability and performance of wastewater systems are essential to public health and environmental protection. Across the country, aging infrastructure, stricter environmental standards and limited resources have made it increasingly difficult for many community systems to maintain reliable, environmentally compliant service.
As the nation’s largest regulated water and wastewater utility, American Water approaches these challenges with a long-term perspective grounded in solutions that deliver economies of scale, technical expertise, capital investment, transparency and accountability.
Long Hill, New Jersey
Long Hill Township’s wastewater system, much of it built in the 1930s, struggled with aging infrastructure allowing significant inflow and infiltration (I&I), overwhelming the system during wet weather and exceeding treatment capacity. These conditions led to partially treated discharges into the Passaic River, creating environmental risk and regulatory pressure. Addressing the problem would have required major capital investment – costs that would have more than doubled rates for customers.
Having provided drinking water service to the community for more than 110 years, New Jersey American Water was a natural partner to extend its expertise to wastewater operations. Following the 2020 acquisition, the company implemented a long-term infrastructure program focused on reducing I&I and improving treatment performance. Investments in sewer main rehabilitation, manhole renewal, pump stations, and treatment upgrades addressed excess flow at the source – stabilizing wet weather operations and reducing the risk of untreated discharges.
Today, Long Hill Township is a clear environmental success story. Sustained investment has transformed a system once defined by infiltration-driven exceedances into one that is more stable, compliant, and protective of the Passaic River.
Key Outcomes
- Over $53 million invested in wastewater system improvements since acquisition
- Rehabilitation of 30,000+ linear feet of sewer main and 130 manholes, directly reducing inflow and infiltration
- 15+ miles of pipe improvements completed, strengthening system integrity and reducing groundwater intrusion
- $11 million invested in treatment plant and pump station upgrades improve performance and reliability during wet weather events
- Transition from frequent capacity exceedances to a more stable, compliant system protecting the Passaic River
Click here to learn more about wastewater solutions at American Water.