New Jersey American Water announced on Thursday it will continue its planned infrastructure projects amid the current COVID-19 outbreak.
As a water and wastewater service provider, the Camden-based utility provides what is considered an essential service, consistent with Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order.
“The safe, clean, reliable provision of water and wastewater service is essential, especially now as we are dealing with a public health emergency. That is why it is imperative that we continue to repair and renew aging pipes in the ground, and upgrade pumps, valves, plants and other critical infrastructure to keep our systems operating efficiently,” Cheryl Norton, president of New Jersey American Water and chief environmental officer of American Water, said. “We thank Governor Murphy and the Board of Public Utilities for recognizing the critical service water and wastewater utilities provide by including utility work as essential in the orders they are issuing to help protect the public during this unprecedented time.”
Additionally, in the spring, the company will perform its annual hydrant flushing to clean the water distribution system.
“Our operational employees are essential and need to report to work to ensure we deliver our critical services,” Norton said. “We recognize this is a time of uncertainty and challenge, and we thank our dedicated, hard-working teams for rising to this challenge. Their safety and that of our customers and communities is the top priority as we manage through this event and uncertain times.”
