Working for Smart Growth:
More Livable Places and Open Spaces

 

Water and Sewer

Water is a fundamental resource both to New Jersey’s natural heritage and to its economic well-being. Water resources serve the needs of people, agriculture and industry. The regulatory system governing the use of water and wastewater not only affects our environmental health, but can also help rein in sprawl and support the smart, center-based development called for in the State Development and Redevelopment Plan.

The state of New Jersey has a complex system of laws, regulations and programs that address planning for and management of water, wastewater and stormwater.  This system addresses both water quantity (supply) and water quality, and affects water infrastructure and land use decisions.

At the regional level, planning frameworks in the Highlands and Pinelands regions were established to protect those regions’ vulnerable water resources.

One of the first rules of land use is that development follows infrastructure. Where sewers are located largely dictates where development occurs. Similarly, where and how septic systems are regulated governs how larger-lot subdivisions are designed.

The New Jersey state Department of Environmental Protection administers the statewide Water Quality Management Planning (WQMP) rule, NJAC 7:15, in order to ensure water quality through a wastewater planning process and related mechanisms.

New Jersey Future has been actively engaged in researching, convening stakeholders and advising the wastewater planning process because of its impact on where and how growth occurs. Working with county planning departments and staff at the DEP Division of Coastal and Land Use Planning, we tracked progress in the adoption of updated Future Wastewater Service Area (FWSA) maps, which will likely affect where state government directs development incentives.

Other resources:

  • Background information on wastewater planning from ANJEC
  • DEP Water Quality Management Planning page, with links to the WQMP rule, statutes, and related items

New Jersey’s urban areas face particular water-infrastructure challenges, exacerbated by a coming deadline for establishing plans to control their sewer systems. Learn more and download our report, Ripple Effects, on our urban water infrastructure resource page.

 

  • Water Infrastructure for Thriving CommunitiesWater Infrastructure for Thriving Communities

    A resource page focused on initiatives to upgrade New Jersey's aging water infrastructure and reduce combined-sewer overflows.

  • Stormwater UtilitiesStormwater Utilities

    A resource page focused on stormwater utilities, an important tool available to communities to help manage stormwater-related polluted runoff and flooding.

  • Mainstreaming Green Infrastructurebioswale in Somerset, New Jersey, captures rainwater and reduces flood risk.

    Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure is a program to make green infrastructure the first choice for stormwater management in New Jersey.

New Jersey Future Blog
Navigating New Jersey’s REAL Rules

“Sixty-two thousand homes along New Jersey’s coast will experience chronic flooding by 2050,” said Diane Schrauth, Water Policy Director at New Jersey Future, during the 2025 NJ Planning & Redevelopment Conference (NJPRC). That will be the material reality for tens of thousands of New Jerseyans who will face skyrocketing flood insurance rates, loss of property value, and, eventually, displacement.

When Water Holds Back Housing: What to Expect from New Jersey’s New State Fiscal Year 2026 Intended Use Plans

As New Jersey faces a growing housing crisis, it’s becoming increasingly clear that water infrastructure is more than just a utility concern; it’s a fundamental barrier to equitable development and housing growth.

Farewell Spotlight: Chris Sturm Retires After 23 Years of Championing a Better New Jersey

As we bid a fond farewell to Chris Sturm, policy director and longtime advocate at New Jersey Future, we celebrate a legacy of leadership rooted in passion, persistence, and purpose. Chris has been a driving force behind some of New Jersey Future’s most successful initiatives—from promoting equitable water infrastructure to championing great places to live. On her final day, Chris sat down with me to reflect on what she’s most proud of, what she’s learned, and what she hopes for the future.

Clawbacks of Transportation and Green Infrastructure Funding

Despite New Jersey facing growing flood risks, the federal government is now targeting low-cost solutions like green infrastructure for funding cuts to reduce spending. Green Infrastructure absorbs and slows stormwater runoff, curbs flooding in communities, and reduces the pollution that reaches waterways; however, green infrastructure needs broad implementation to make a difference. The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) previously provided federal funding for projects that incorporated green infrastructure, but staff with the Urban Institute shared a leaked memo revealing new priorities.

A Tale of Two Upbringings and a Shared Vision For a Healthy Environment

Our formative years and lived experiences are vastly different. One of us is a first-generation immigrant, and the other is a second-generation immigrant, both of whom call this state their home. We both bring distinctly different cultural lenses and identities, yet we have shared passions and values for creating a healthy environment for everyone in NJ.

Articles and Stories
Growing Smart and Water Wise

Development in the Pinelands growth areas has affected water resources and will continue to exert pressures going forward. This report highlights what can be done by municipal, regional and state agencies to minimize their negative impacts. July 2014.

Ripple Effects

This report and related case studies summarize the state of urban water infrastructure in New Jersey and how it affects residents and businesses. May 2014.

2016 Smart Growth Award Winners

A redevelopment of a landmark downtown building; several projects designed to spur homeownership in historically disinvested areas; an urban farm; and a bold resiliency plan are the winners of New Jersey Future’s 2016 Smart Growth Awards. Al Koeppe is the recipient of the Cary Edwards Leadership Award.

2015 Smart Growth Award Winners

A redevelopment of a historic urban park; the expansion of an anchor institution in our capital city; a “complete” redesign of a major urban street; a landmark multi-use building that serves as a community anchor; two plans to revitalize neighborhoods near transit; and a pioneering collaborative effort to improve urban neighborhoods prone to stormwater flooding are the winners of New Jersey Future’s 2015 Smart Growth Awards. Anne S. Babineau Esq. wins the Cary Edwards Leadership Award.

Communicating Value to Consumers: Strategies for Water and Sewer Utilities

A one-hour webinar focused on consumer-facing communications strategies for water and sewer utilities. Thursday, May 14, 2015.

See all New Jersey Future Blog posts and articles in this category »
 

Reports, Presentations and Testimony

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