en.Wedoany.com Reported - New Jersey American Water announced on the second anniversary of its acquisition of the City of Salem's water and wastewater systems that it has invested over $28 million in system upgrades and plans to invest an additional $48 million over the next five years to further modernize infrastructure and enhance service reliability. The company completed the acquisition of the City of Salem's utility systems on June 25, 2024.
Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water, stated that the company takes residents' trust seriously and fulfills its commitments through meaningful infrastructure improvements and ongoing community investment. Since taking over, the company has accelerated key infrastructure improvements to Salem's water and wastewater systems. Major completed projects include upgrades to the Salem wastewater treatment plant and system-wide sewage pump stations, replacement of customer water meters, recoating of city water tanks, and modernization of facilities to improve operational efficiency, safety, and security. The company has also completed various equipment upgrades.
One of the most significant projects completed was the rapid installation of permanent PFAS treatment facilities at the Salem Water Treatment Plant. Shortly after the acquisition, the company advanced the design and construction of an advanced PFAS removal system to meet New Jersey's stringent drinking water standards. Construction began in 2025 and was completed on an accelerated timeline, providing a long-term solution to protect public health.
Jody Veler, Mayor of Salem, stated that the water and wastewater systems had required upgrades for years but were beyond the city's capacity. New Jersey American Water stepped in with its expertise, resources, and long-term commitment to implement improvements, making a meaningful difference for the community.
In addition to infrastructure investments, New Jersey American Water and its American Water Charitable Foundation have provided over $766,000 since 2024 through grants, sponsorships, donations, and community programs to support local organizations and initiatives. This includes a $702,500 community tax credit grant to Stand Up for Salem, $25,000 for water bottle filling stations in Salem City Schools, $25,000 to support the Salem County Interagency Human Services Council workforce development program, and sponsorships for local food drives, community events, fire departments, youth sports, and neighborhood initiatives.
Michael Gower, Executive Director of Stand Up for Salem, stated that New Jersey American Water's ongoing support has helped strengthen local efforts to address long-standing challenges.
The company's commitment also extends to the local workforce. As part of the acquisition, Salem city utility employees transitioned to New Jersey American Water, continuing to serve their community while gaining access to better training, resources, and career development opportunities. Cameron Cagle, a wastewater operations mechanic who transferred from the Salem City Water Department, expressed that being part of a team dedicated to improving infrastructure and supporting the community is fulfilling. McDonough added that the future focus remains on maintaining customer affordability, continuing infrastructure investment, and strengthening the communities served.
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in New Jersey, providing water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. The American Water Charitable Foundation is a charitable nonprofit organization established by American Water, focusing on three pillars of giving: water, people, and communities. Since 2012, it has invested over $25 million through grants and matching donations, funded by shareholders without impacting customer rates.
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