NJAW receives 2018 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award

Photo Courtesy of NJAW
Representatives from New Jersey American Water accept a 2018 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award for Innovative Technology. Pictured, from left, are New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; N.J. first lady Tammy Murphy; NJAW Senior Superintendent of Water Loss Management Russell Titus; NJAW Water Loss Management project manager Ronald Oppenheimer; and New Jersey Infrastructure Bank Executive Director David Zimmer.

VOORHEES, NJ — New Jersey American Water was recognized by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection as one of this year’s recipients of the annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards. Recipients were recognized at a luncheon held at the New Jersey State Museum by NJDEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe and N.J. first lady Tammy Murphy, who also spoke at the event.

In its 19th year, the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individuals, organizations and companies leading outstanding environmental initiatives, programs and projects around the state. Sponsored by the NJDEP, New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology, in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and NJDEP’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative, the awards program has recognized a total of 180 recipients since its inception in 2000.

This year, 50 applications were submitted for consideration and reviewed by a panel of judges who scored the nominations. New Jersey American Water was named an award recipient in the category of innovative technology, recognizing the company’s efforts in creating viable, innovative solutions for controlling water loss.

“Our leak detection efforts are a large part of the work we do to ensure conservation and the efficient use of our most precious resource for our 2.7 million customers. Our teams — from water quality to plant operations and distribution professionals — are constantly working to find creative ways to utilize technology in order to provide quality service for our customers while keeping costs low,” NJAW President Deborah Degillio said. “As a direct result of working in partnership with our leak management technology provider, we have not only created solutions to reduce water loss for those in New Jersey, but can also serve as a model to other water providers across the nation.”

In NJDEP’s news release announcing the award winners, McCabe said, “This year’s winners exemplify New Jersey’s strong commitment to protecting the environment and following practices that will help us fight climate change and sea-level rise, while also improving flooding resiliency around the state. Their fine work is an example to us all, and I congratulate the winners for their outstanding achievements.”