Somerville Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Sewer Sale Ballot Question by a Three to One Margin

CAMDEN, N.J. – Nov. 9, 2022 – Somerville voters overwhelmingly supported the ballot referendum to transfer ownership of the Borough’s sewer system to New Jersey American Water. With nearly 90% of the vote reported, the ballot question passed in a landslide fashion with 74% of the vote. The ballot measure was supported by a bipartisan coalition of elected officials, small business owners and community leaders in Somerville.

“I want to thank the residents of Somerville, as well as Mayor Sullivan and Borough Councilmembers, for entrusting us with their sewer system,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water.  “Water and sewer is all we do, and as Somerville’s long-time water service provider, we are committed to making improvements to help ensure the community’s sewer service is as clean, safe, reliable and affordable as the water service we provide.  We look forward to getting started and will deliver upon the commitments we have made.”

New Jersey American Water has agreed to purchase the system for $7 million, which the Borough must use to pay off utility debt and reduce municipal debt. Additionally, New Jersey American Water committed to invest at least $9.5 million in system improvements within the first ten years of ownership.

Somerville is the fourth community to pass a voter referendum to sell its sewer system to its water service provider New Jersey American Water in the past five years. Others included Long Hill, Bound Brook and Mount Ephraim.

New Jersey American Water anticipates completing the acquisition in the second half of 2023, following signing of the formal agreement to acquire the Borough’s wastewater collection system and approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

About New Jersey American Water: New Jersey American Water, a 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 2.8 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.

About American Water: With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.