Latest news with #NewJerseyAmericanWater
Business Wire
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
New Jersey American Water and Salem City Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Water Infrastructure and PFAS Treatment System
SALEM, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New Jersey American Water and the City of Salem, today, broke ground on a major new infrastructure project that will enhance water quality and public health for thousands of local residents in Salem, NJ. The event marked the start of construction on a state-of-the-art PFAS removal system at the Salem Water Treatment Plant—a critical investment to help ensure safe, clean and reliable drinking water service for communities served by the plant. The ceremony brought together New Jersey American Water leadership, local elected officials, and key community stakeholders to celebrate the inauguration of a PFAS mitigation project—to be completed within an accelerated 18-month timeline—that underscores New Jersey American Water's ability to swiftly deliver innovative, health-focused solutions with long-term benefits for Salem and its residents. 'This is a turning point for Salem,' said Dr. Jody Veler, Mayor of Salem City. 'Our community deserves clean water, and we are proud to see this partnership with New Jersey American Water delivering results that will make a lasting difference.' 'We are proud to partner with the City of Salem to deliver a timely solution to remove 'forever chemicals' from drinking water and restore community trust,' said Mark McDonough New Jersey American Water President. 'This project reflects our long-term commitment to safe and affordable water service and meaningful investment in communities that make them stronger.' 'This facility doesn't just help local residents, but it sets the stage for the state of New Jersey,' said Zenon Christodoulou, Commissioner, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. 'This issue will not go away easily, but starting today, in this town, it will begin to go away, thanks to your combined efforts… Our job at the BPU is to make sure that we provide safe and affordable service for all of our residents… and on behalf of the BPU, you have made our job infinitely easier. With great optimism, we look to the future.' 'My DEP colleagues and I congratulate New Jersey American Water on the groundbreaking of this treatment plant,' Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. 'Across New Jersey, the DEP is working with water systems both large and small to install advanced treatment systems to remove PFAS while also taking strong legal actions to hold accountable those companies that are responsible for this pollution.' In just the first year since taking ownership of the Salem water and wastewater systems in June of 2024, New Jersey American Water has already invested over $1 million into the water system and another $2.5 million into the wastewater system—with plans to invest nearly $48.8 million over the next five years. These investments will support system upgrades, environmental compliance, and enhanced service reliability across the region. 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 2.9 million people. For more information, visit and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Jersey American Water and Salem City Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Water Infrastructure and PFAS Treatment System
SALEM, N.J., May 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Jersey American Water and the City of Salem, today, broke ground on a major new infrastructure project that will enhance water quality and public health for thousands of local residents in Salem, NJ. The event marked the start of construction on a state-of-the-art PFAS removal system at the Salem Water Treatment Plant—a critical investment to help ensure safe, clean and reliable drinking water service for communities served by the plant. The ceremony brought together New Jersey American Water leadership, local elected officials, and key community stakeholders to celebrate the inauguration of a PFAS mitigation project—to be completed within an accelerated 18-month timeline—that underscores New Jersey American Water's ability to swiftly deliver innovative, health-focused solutions with long-term benefits for Salem and its residents. "This is a turning point for Salem," said Dr. Jody Veler, Mayor of Salem City. "Our community deserves clean water, and we are proud to see this partnership with New Jersey American Water delivering results that will make a lasting difference." "We are proud to partner with the City of Salem to deliver a timely solution to remove 'forever chemicals' from drinking water and restore community trust," said Mark McDonough New Jersey American Water President. "This project reflects our long-term commitment to safe and affordable water service and meaningful investment in communities that make them stronger." "This facility doesn't just help local residents, but it sets the stage for the state of New Jersey," said Zenon Christodoulou, Commissioner, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. "This issue will not go away easily, but starting today, in this town, it will begin to go away, thanks to your combined efforts… Our job at the BPU is to make sure that we provide safe and affordable service for all of our residents… and on behalf of the BPU, you have made our job infinitely easier. With great optimism, we look to the future." "My DEP colleagues and I congratulate New Jersey American Water on the groundbreaking of this treatment plant," Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. "Across New Jersey, the DEP is working with water systems both large and small to install advanced treatment systems to remove PFAS while also taking strong legal actions to hold accountable those companies that are responsible for this pollution." In just the first year since taking ownership of the Salem water and wastewater systems in June of 2024, New Jersey American Water has already invested over $1 million into the water system and another $2.5 million into the wastewater system—with plans to invest nearly $48.8 million over the next five years. These investments will support system upgrades, environmental compliance, and enhanced service reliability across the region. About New Jersey American WaterNew 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 2.9 million people. For more information, visit and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. View source version on Contacts Erin BanesSenior Manager, External CommunicationsNew Jersey American Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
29-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
New Jersey American Water Proudly Recognizes American Water Charitable Foundation 2025 Water and Environment Grantees
BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., recently awarded Water and Environment grants to nine organizations totaling $209,674, supporting communities served by New Jersey American Water. 'Clean water is a resource we all take for granted and forget that we all play a role in maintaining it,' said Jaclyn Rhoads, Executive Director of Pinelands Preservation Alliance, one of the 2025 Water and Environment grantees. 'The American Water Charitable Foundation's Water and Environment Grant will help Pinelands Preservation Alliance remind people of how to care for our water resources by implementing water and nature-friendly landscaping practices through our Landscape Makeover Program. Hainesport Township will serve as a model in the region, and we appreciate our great partners in the town and the American Water Charitable Foundation for supporting this effort.' 'At New Jersey American Water, we believe that protecting our water resources starts with empowering the communities we serve,' said Mark McDonough, president, New Jersey American Water, and board member, American Water Charitable Foundation. 'These grantees exemplify the passion and innovation needed to address local water and environmental challenges head-on. We are proud to see their work supported through the American Water Charitable Foundation's grant program and look forward to the lasting impact these projects will have across our state.' The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Below is a list of 2025 grantees in New Jersey: Clean Ocean Action Clean Ocean Action was awarded $23,231 to support its award-winning Rally for Two Rivers program which finds, fixes, and eliminates sources of pollution in the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers (Two Rivers Watershed) in Monmouth County. The grant will fund analytical costs to increase upstream monitoring and launch nutrient assessments, helping restore water quality through collaborative, no-blame engagement. Great Swamp Watershed Association Great Swamp Watershed Association was awarded $22,463 to expand its water quality monitoring efforts to the lower Passaic River in New Jersey, focusing on areas downstream from the Dundee Dam to Newark Bay. The grant will fund new sampling sites and equipment to test for pollutants in the river and provide communities with actionable data for improving local water quality and environmental health. Monmouth Conservation Foundation Monmouth Conservation Foundation was awarded $29,310 for the installation of three bioswales at Scudder Preserve in Middletown, NJ to reduce runoff pollution, improve water infiltration, and ultimately recharge the local aquifer. The initiative also includes educational programming for the surrounding watershed community, promoting awareness of green infrastructure, and is part of a larger ecological restoration plan for the 90-acre preserve. Musconetcong Watershed Association Musconetcong Watershed Association was awarded $45,370 to investigate the source of PFAS in the Musconetcong River by collecting and analyzing surface water samples during the agricultural season. As part of the project, the association will collaborate with the US EPA and the NJ DEP to share findings via public meetings and pamphlets and eventually provide science-based data to support remediation. New Jersey Audubon New Jersey Audubon was awarded $10,000 to enhance its environmental education and conservation programs, focusing on clean water protection and habitat restoration across New Jersey. The funds will support staff and materials to deliver nature-based, hands-on learning to schools and communities, especially at their Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary. These programs aim to cultivate environmental stewardship and raise awareness of local water and habitat issues. New Jersey Tree Foundation New Jersey Tree Foundation was awarded $15,000 to revitalize a green space with new trees along the Newton Creek watershed in Oaklyn, which will help improve water quality and provide habitat for local wildlife. The grant will also help fund training for its TreeKeepers program which helps educate the community about long-term care of trees. Pinelands Preservation Alliance Pinelands Preservation Alliance was awarded $18,800 for its Landscape Makeover Program which will transform part of a public park in Hainesport, NJ into a sustainable green space featuring a micro-forest and rain garden. It will promote regenerative landscaping practices to improve stormwater absorption and will serve as an educational resource for the community. The project also involves public workshops for the local community to learn how to implement these practices at home. The Somerset County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey The Somerset County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey was awarded $12,500 for its reforestation project along Royce Brook in Manville, a flood-prone area. The project will help mitigate stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and reduce local flooding while enhancing community awareness through signage and educational outreach. The Watershed Institute The Watershed Institute was awarded $33,000 to expand its StreamWatch Schools, a water quality monitoring program that works to protect streams and rivers in central New Jersey. Grant funding will provide teacher training, lesson plans, and classroom support to engage students statewide in water quality monitoring and help build long-term program sustainability. 'The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support projects and programs focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education and water-based recreation across American Water's national footprint,' said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. "The Water and Environment Grant Program allows us to continue focusing on our core passion of water while engaging community members in learning how every drop counts." Due to the volume of grant applications received, each application was evaluated on a competitive basis. The Foundation strives to fund programs with a strong impact and measurable outcomes within its funding priorities. Learn more about New Jersey American Water's community impact at under News & Community/ Community Involvement. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About New Jersey American Water New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. For more information, visit and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. About American Water Charitable Foundation The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit
Business Wire
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
New Jersey American Water Announces New Vice President of Business Development, Government Affairs and External Affairs
BUSINESS WIRE)--New Jersey American Water is pleased to announce that Kimberly Schalek Downes has joined the company this month as Vice President of Business Development, Government Affairs and External Affairs. In this role, Schalek Downes will lead the company's strategic outreach, legislative engagement, and growth efforts across the state. She will oversee the Business Development, Government Affairs, and External Affairs teams, reporting directly to the company president. Schalek Downes brings more than 35 years of experience in government relations, strategic consulting, and public policy. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of Salmon Ventures Limited (SVL), a consulting firm she founded in 2003. At SVL, she managed a wide range of client relationships spanning utility companies, government bodies, and public institutions, and led the creation of the New Jersey Energy Coalition. Her extensive experience in public affairs, combined with her strategic vision, will help New Jersey American Water continue to grow and strengthen relationships with stakeholders across the state. 'I'm thrilled to welcome Kim to the leadership team,' said Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water. 'Her deep roots in policy and government, along with her commitment to community engagement and infrastructure advancement, make her the ideal person to lead this integrated team at such a critical time for the company.' In addition to Schalek Downes' appointment, the company is pleased to announce the following recent promotions within the department: Chelsea Kulp has been promoted to Director of Communications and External Affairs, where she will lead strategic communications, digital engagement and community outreach across the state. Since joining the company in 2015, Kulp has advanced through multiple roles, most recently serving as Senior Manager. She has been instrumental in initiatives like the Lead Service Line Replacement Program and has helped the company earn top rankings in customer satisfaction. Chelsea is an active leader in the water industry, serving as a Trustee for the American Water Works Association New Jersey Section and contributing nationally through her appointment to the AWWA Public Affairs Council, where she helps shape water policy and communication strategies. Lee Mueller has been promoted to Director of Business Development. Since joining the company in 2019, Mueller has led communications and stakeholder engagement in both New York and New Jersey. Her background includes more than a decade of public affairs work with federal agencies, and she is a certified Project Management Professional. David Mayer continues to serve as Director of Government Affairs, a position he has held since June 2019. In this role, Mayer leads legislative strategy and municipal engagement throughout the company's service areas. He brings decades of experience in state and local government, including previous roles as a New Jersey Assemblyman, Camden County Clerk, and Senior Director of Government Affairs for Comcast. Mayer is also the current mayor of Gloucester Township and an adjunct professor. These strategic appointments reflect New Jersey American Water's ongoing commitment to leadership development, community partnership, and providing solutions to water and wastewater challenges. Together, Kim, Lee, Chelsea, and David will guide the company's efforts to invest in infrastructure, support affordability and conservation initiatives, and enhance stakeholder trust across New Jersey. 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 2.9 million people. For more information, visit and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
