Much like bridges, tunnels and roads, a water supply system is a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure. As such, it requires a combination of attention and oversight in order to be sufficiently maintained for purposes of providing safe drinking water to consumers. Despite this, the regulatory framework for testing and reporting on drinking water sources, delivery systems and end uses has glaring gaps. Water systems and municipalities are often overwhelmed by numerous state and federal regulations surrounding drinking water, as well as the perceived expense associated with replacing aging infrastructure. However, there are funding sources available that make updating New Jersey’s water systems an attractive option that should be considered in order to safeguard human health.

The nationwide attention garnered after the crisis involving lead in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan, and more locally in school districts in Newark, New Jersey, has raised the profile of the deficiencies of many water supply systems. Issues resulting from our outdated infrastructure are nothing new; in fact, in its most recent report pertaining to the country’s drinking water, which was issued in 2013, the American Society of Civil Engineers graded the country’s current drinking water infrastructure system with a “D” rating. As concluded in the report, many of the estimated one million miles of water mains in place in the United States contain pipes that have been buried underground and out of sight for long periods of time, some dating back to the mid-1800s, with no examination of these pipes until problems are reported or identified.

This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.

To view this content, please continue to their sites.

Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Why am I seeing this?

LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.

For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]