Hopewell Water System Timeline
This timeline outlines the milestone dates and records related to Hopewell Borough’s entry into the WIPA process to fast-track the sale of the water system. The Borough will relinquish local control of the publicly owned, not-for-profit water system and sell it to a for-profit corporation, American Water (AWK:US).
At a Glance
NJDEP Notice of Non-Compliance (PFOS – Well #4)
- ⋅ PFOS measured: 14 ppt
- ⋅ NJDEP limit: 13 ppt
- ⋅ PFOS levels have not exceeded the MCL since this measurement.
Phoenix Audit Report Released
The Phoenix Advisory Report was published, outlining the condition of the Borough water system and identifying future repair and capital needs.
Council Enters WIPA Process
Borough Council entered the WIPA process under the Water Infrastructure Protection Act (WIPA).
WIPA certification cited the 2022 PFOS violation as the emergent condition allowing the Borough to legally proceed without a referendum.
NJDEP Determination Letter
- ⋅ PFOS treatment required
- ⋅ System otherwise viable
- ⋅ NJDEP recommended use of a $2.34 million PFOS remediation grant.
EPA Grant Approved
- ⋅ NJDEP advised that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Hopewell’s application for $2.34 million in federal funding through the “Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities” grant program.
- ⋅ The funding was designated for PFAS and arsenic treatment systems at Wells No. 4 and 6.
- ⋅ Borough Council agreed to proceed with planning and design phases while exploring the sale of the utility. Periodic public updates were discussed.
- ⋅ No treatment systems were pursued by the Borough.
Resident Petition Filed
214 residents filed a petition protesting the decision to sell the public water system without a public referendum vote.
Resolution Advancing Draft Contract
Council passed a resolution advancing a draft contract with New Jersey American Water (NJAW) for sale of the water system.
According to public statements:
- ⋅ No contract terms were negotiated by the Borough.
- ⋅ Council members did not individually review the full contract prior to advancing it.
Council Passed the Referendum Ballot Question
Borough Council approved the ballot question advancing the proposed sale of the public water system to voters.
Public Community Meeting
Concerned residents held a public meeting at First Calvary Baptist Church to review contract details and explore alternatives.
This was the first substantive public review of the NJAW contract.
Hopewell residents ask why rush to sell our water system.Legal Analysis of Proposed Contract Published
A Hopewell resident published a legal analysis of the proposed contract.
- ⋅ No guaranteed rate decrease.
- ⋅ No clear plan for the $7 million “capital improvements.”
- ⋅ No specification of what will be repaired, or when.
- ⋅ No Borough oversight or recourse if those improvements fail to meet standards.
Referendum Interpretive Statement Complaint – NJ Superior Court
A Hopewell resident filed a complaint regarding the lack of neutrality in the referendum interpretive statement.
The court determined that the public should have submitted an alternative interpretive statement to Council in July 2025.
American Water Expansion Announcement
American Water announced a deal to acquire Essential Utilities and prioritize construction of new water treatment facilities, including a $26 million plant underway in Pennsylvania.
Read the article12% Rate Increase Application Filed
Approx. $120/year increase for average customer.
Proposed Consent Ordinance 908
Municipal consent can include conditions. NJ courts and the BPU have long recognized that municipal consent may impose reasonable, non-rate-related conditions especially conditions tied to:
- ⋅ Public health and safety
- ⋅ Infrastructure in the right-of-way
- ⋅ Service reliability
- ⋅ Compliance with local standards
60% Well #4
40% NJAW Interconnection
About the Public Water Alliance
We are residents of Hopewell Borough advocating for solutions tied to community goals that serve the public interest. We encourage the public to be engaged to ensure transparency in local government.
Contact: tonandjune@gmail.com