Investment in Water Systems Required for Economic Rebound

President of New Jersey American Water Speaks to Utility Professionals

CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 12 /PRNewswire/ – Investing in the state’s aging water infrastructure is necessary to maintain the reliability and safety of that infrastructure. But according to John Bigelow, president of New Jersey American Water, such upgrading is also essential for the state’s economy to rebound. Bigelow was speaking on a panel at the New Jersey Utility Association’s annual conference.

“The panel’s topic of ‘strengthening the economy through utility investment’ is important because without infrastructure investment, communities cannot continue to attract businesses nor maintain a quality of life,” said Bigelow. According to Bigelow, New Jersey has already taken a strong lead through the state’s energy stimulus program, though no such program is in place for the water industry. “The water industry is working with state regulators on possible implementation of a mechanism similar to the energy stimulus filings that have proven to reduce water infrastructure backlog in other states,” said Bigelow.

“There is no doubt that New Jersey has legitimate water infrastructure needs,” said Bigelow. “There are some 20- to 30-thousand miles of pipeline in the state, and much of it is more than 100 years old.” Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Society of Civil Engineers have estimated that as much as $10 billion needs to be invested in New Jersey’s water infrastructure over the next 20 years.

New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE New Jersey American Water