VOORHEES, NJ, JANUARY 3, 2016 -- The Township of South Orange Village and American Water, the nation's largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company, today jointly announced the commencement of their new partnership in delivering clean water to residents and businesses in South Orange, N.J.
The long-term partnership consists of a 30-year water sales agreement entered into in 2015 with New Jersey American Water and a 10-year operations and maintenance agreement entered into in 2016 with American Water Contract Services Group. The improvements necessary to provide water to the Village include the construction of more than 6,000 linear feet of transmission main and a new pumping station built by New Jersey American Water at the Village's Department of Public Works facility on Walton Avenue.
Village and company officials have been working for the last 6 months on the operational transition plan that includes converting customer data into the new customer service platform and preparing to take operational responsibility for the Village's 4,750 customer connections, 60 miles of water main, 600 hydrants, 3,000 valves, three storage tanks, and one water supply well.
"This partnership we have formed with American Water, a well-respected water solutions provider for millions of people nationwide, will ensure the Village is well positioned to provide life's most essential resource to our residents," said Howard Levison, Village Trustee.
"Today marks a new beginning for water supply in the Village as we start to make the much needed improvements to ensure the long-term viability of our water system for our residents," added fellow Village Trustee, Walter Clarke.
The Village and American Water are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for customers. Letters are being sent to South Orange residents and a dedicated customer service center has been established. Residents may call the customer service center at 1-855-722-7072 if they have any questions or service issues.
American Water's Contract Services Group provides water and wastewater management solutions for municipal and industrial clients. The Contract Services Group is part of American Water Enterprises, a market-based subsidiary of American Water. For more information, visit amwater.com/products-and-services.
New Jersey American Water, also a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.7 million people. More information can be found at newjerseyamwater.com.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.
