Veolia requests rate review following $274 million investment to modernize water and wastewater infrastructure across New Jersey

Haworth, NJ – Veolia, the global leader in water and wastewater services, today filed a petition with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities requesting new rates to support $274 million in infrastructure investments that enhance water quality and service reliability across the state. These essential projects include miles of new water mains, cutting-edge treatment plant upgrades, digital innovations and the removal of lead service lines — all designed to benefit the more than 1.1 million residents and businesses Veolia serves across New Jersey.

If the petition is approved as requested, the average residential water bill would increase by 27 cents per day, or $8.24 per month. Public fire hydrant charges would remain unchanged. Even with this adjustment, water service will remain one of the most affordable utilities in the household budget, and these investments will deliver significantly enhanced quality, reliability and long-term infrastructure improvements.

Investing in Water Quality and System Reliability

The infrastructure projects, from April 2024 through March 2026, provide environmental security and aim to protect public health in 86 municipalities across 10 counties in New Jersey. These improvements will ensure compliance with stringent drinking water standards and environmental regulations, provide reliable fire protection for communities, and safeguard dependable water service for generations to come. They include:

• Lead Service Line Removal: Veolia has replaced more than 16,000 lead service lines in 60 communities in recent years. More than a dozen crews are in the field every day pulling lead service lines from the ground.
• Water Main Replacements: Dependable service is always a priority for Veolia and the company continues to replace water mains within the 3,000 miles of its New Jersey distribution network. Mains have been replaced in Alpine, Bogota, Edgewater, Englewood, Fort Lee, Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Hasbrouck Heights, Haworth, Lambertville, Little Ferry, Manalapan, North Bergen, Norwood, Ridgefield, Rochelle Park, Rutherford, Teaneck, Teterboro, Toms River, Union City and Weehawken.
• Water Quality Improvements: Veolia's commitment to exceptional drinking water quality is demonstrated through 12 PFAS treatment systems deployed across New Jersey. The company continues to invest in advanced treatment technologies as it aims to meet regulatory standards and protect public health.
• Wastewater System Upgrades: A project in West Milford will replace two aging wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring environmental compliance and system performance.
• Smart Utility Technology: Deployment of advanced metering infrastructure for leak detection, digital sensors for real-time system monitoring and workforce management systems are improving operational efficiency and customer service.

These projects exemplify Veolia's global GreenUp strategy to lead ecological transformation through water quality improvement, decarbonization and technological innovation. Through these infrastructure upgrades, more efficient operations and partnerships with community groups across the region, Veolia is demonstrating that responsible long-term stewardship of natural resources creates lasting value for customers, communities and the environment.

Balancing Essential Upgrades with Affordability

While investment in critical infrastructure is essential to maintain long-term system sustainability and meet increasingly stringent regulatory standards, Veolia remains committed to keeping water service affordable for all customers.

Recognizing that some customers are facing financial challenges, Veolia offers several assistance programs. Through initiatives like Veolia Cares, the company provides customers who are experiencing financial hardship grants to apply toward their water bill. Additional information about assistance programs is available at mywater.veolia.us/financial-assistance-programs-new-jersey.

The rate petition filed by Veolia Water New Jersey, Inc., which seeks an annual revenue increase of 9.82%, will be subject to regulatory review by the Board of Public Utilities through a public process that includes interrogatories, public comments and a hearing. The review process typically takes nine to 12 months.