New Jersey American Water recently completed its acquisition of the water system of Hopewell Borough for $6.4 million, adding 930 new water customers.
This former municipally owned system has been purchasing water from New Jersey American Water for a portion of the Borough's water supply since 2005. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on June 30 approved the municipal consent, allowing New Jersey American Water to provide water service to Hopewell Borough customers as of the closing of the transaction.
The agreement to purchase the system was approved by voter referendum in November 2025. By integrating the new system into its operations, the New Jersey American Water aims to enhance service reliability, advance infrastructure investments, and improve operational efficiency for Hopewell Borough's customers and this community.
"Following a thorough and thoughtful process with ample community input, we are confident this is the right path forward for Hopewell Borough," said Mayor Ryan Kennedy. "By partnering with New Jersey American Water, we are addressing long-term infrastructure needs today while securing dependable, high-quality service and stable rates for our community."
As part of the agreement, New Jersey American Water will invest $7 million in infrastructure improvements to the Hopewell Borough system within the first five years of ownership.
Anticipated improvements to the system include identifying and replacing all lead and galvanized steel service lines as well as upgrading aging customer meters, fire hydrants, and water mains.
Additionally, New Jersey American Water will shut down the Borough's one operating well that has elevated PFAS levels and provide water to the community through the company's Canal Road and Raritan Millstone Water Treatment Plants which meet current state and federal safe drinking water standards. Further improvement projects will be identified as New Jersey American Water continues its analysis of the system.
"After providing water to Hopewell Borough through an interconnection for over two decades, we're proud to officially welcome the community into our footprint," said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. "Our priority is to deliver safe, clean, reliable and affordable service for the 3 million people we serve statewide, including Hopewell.
“As the community's water provider, we'll start by stabilizing rates, making smart, targeted investments to strengthen the system, and working to address PFAS by first transitioning away from the system's existing well."
Residents will receive additional information in the mail from New Jersey American Water in the coming weeks, and the information is also available now on a new, dedicated webpage for Hopewell Borough customers.
Photo caption: New Jersey American Water President Mark McDonough (left) and Hopewell Borough Mayor Ryan Kennedy at the financial closing of the company’s acquisition of Hopewell Borough’s water system. – Courtesy photo.
