Over the last several years, New Jersey’s water utilities have been rapidly transitioning from being municipal owned to being investor-owned by private corporations who either by the entire water and sewer system or work in partnership with a local municipality to manage the system’s infrastructure.

Due to this growing privatization of one of the most critical resources needed for human survival, residents have been impacted through increases in their water utility bills, placing many vulnerable residents at risk of having their water shutoff entirely or having liens placed on their property which can lead to eviction.

Camden for Clean Air is proud to be working with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and local partners, such as South Jersey ROOTS, to advocate for policies increasing enrollment into water utility assistance programs to mitigate shutoffs and property liens. Read more on the latest Sept. 2026 NRDC Settlement, here.

In the coming months, please stay tuned for opportunities to join our ongoing advocacy campaign to ensure state agencies such as the Board of Public Utilities and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs work to implement the proper measures to support widespread access to water utility assistance programs .