#United States #Camden #Water System #New Jersey American Water #Hopewell Borough

New Jersey American Water Acquires Hopewell Borough Water System

In a significant move for both the company and the local community, New Jersey American Water has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the water system serving Hopewell Borough for a total of $6.4 million. This acquisition comes after recent voter approval, where 58% of residents favored the sale in a referendum held in November 2025. The Hopewell water system serves over 880 customer connections, making this transition a major step in enhancing water services for the local population.

Commitment to Improving Infrastructure

Mark McDonough, the President of New Jersey American Water, expressed gratitude for the trust bestowed upon them by the residents of Hopewell Borough. “We are honored to earn the trust of Hopewell Borough and its residents,” McDonough stated. He emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in the community to not only replace aging infrastructure but also to enhance service reliability, all while maintaining affordable rates for customers.

As part of this agreement, New Jersey American Water is set to invest an impressive $7 million into infrastructure improvements in the first five years.

Planned Enhancements

This investment will focus on the following key areas:

• - Lead and Steel Service Line Replacement: The company plans to identify and replace all utility-owned and customer-owned lead and galvanized steel service lines by the year 2031.
• - Water Main Replacement: Aging water mains will be replaced to ensure better service continuity and reliability.

Furthermore, New Jersey American Water intends to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the entire water system post-acquisition to identify additional areas needing improvement. This systematic approach will help in modernizing the infrastructure thoroughly.

Community Support and Future Prospects

Hopewell Mayor Ryan Kennedy expressed excitement regarding the acquisition, highlighting it as a transformative step for the community. He highlighted that this agreement not only facilitates the necessary investments for modernizing water infrastructure but also assists in reducing municipal debt by reallocating resources effectively. “This is not just progress; it's the start of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and affordability for our entire community,” Kennedy noted.

Jackson's excitement mirrors the sentiment that many residents are feeling – a hope for modern, safe, and sustainable water services that ensure community welfare. The collaborative effort between local agencies and New Jersey American Water aims to ensure a smooth transition for all customers affected by this change.

Anticipated Completion and Company Profile

Pending approval by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJ BPU), New Jersey American Water anticipates the completion of this acquisition in the first half of 2026.

Established in 1886, American Water, the parent company of New Jersey American Water, stands as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. Providing safe and reliable service to over 14 million individuals across 14 states, the company prides itself on maintaining high standards for water safety and quality.

Visit American Water for further information and join their community on social media platforms to stay updated on developments as they unfold.