Learn About Us

Who We Are

Vision: To be the best publicly owned water purveyor in the nation.

Mission: We pledge, as funding and staffing allows, to protect the Utilities’ investments by ensuring and maintaining the integrity and security of the City of Newark’s water and sewer infrastructure. In addition, with upgraded technology and proper training, we will provide accurate and responsive utility billing, fiscal accountability and improved customer service. All of our customers and the public will be treated with the courtesy and respect they deserve.

The City of Newark’s Water and Sewer System dates back to the 1880s. Although it is an old system, it is an effective one. Newark ranks as having one of the best tasting water in the State of New Jersey. Various independent engineering studies have shown that over the next 10 years, the City will need to make improvements to the system, totaling approximately $450 million, in order to continue to efficiently supply its residents with quality water. Major improvements are needed in each of the City’s wards. Some of these projects are mandated by the U.S. environmental Protection Agency and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection so that our water supply and sewer collection system meet federal and state regulations. The Department plans to implement infrastructure and operational changes and upgrades that will provide the greatest improvement to the water and sewer system with the greatest benefit to the City and its residents.

About our Infrastructure

• Newark’s Watershed is a valuable 35,000 acre natural resource owned by the City.
• Water and sewer utilities, which include more than 1,000 miles in pipe, are more than 100 years old and at the end of their useful lives.
• Multiple engineers’ studies have identified a need for $450 million in necessary infrastructure projects and improvement over the next 10 years.
• Necessary projects include the rehabilitation of water and sewer mains to meet current demand, the reclining, cleaning, and maintenance of hundreds of miles in pipe and significant upgrades to the City’s water treatment system to maintain water quality standards and operate at full capacity and maximum efficiency.
• The Environmental Protection Agency has issued multiple Consent Orders related to the condition of the City’s water treatment and sewer collection systems. Both Systems require extensive rehabilitation to be in compliance with current regulations.