The Jersey Water Works Collaborative
The Power of Collaboration: We can do more by working together to solve this complex problem than any individual or organization can achieve on their own.
Receipt of the Founding Research Grant
New Jersey Future receives a grant from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation to research issues related to forthcoming NJDEP permits for 21 cities with combined sewer systems and to organize a convening of thought leaders.
Additional Support Received for Convening
New Jersey Future receives support from the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread to facilitate and host the convening in 2014. NJF begins outreach interviews.
First Research Reports Published
New Jersey Future produces two research reports stressing the urgency and scope of the problem, as well as evaluating the opportunity to strengthen communities by modernizing and greening their infrastructure: Water Infrastructure in New Jersey’s CSO Cities, by Rutgers water expert Daniel Van Abs Ph.D., and Ripple Effects, by New Jersey Future.
"Agenda for Change" Published
In mid-2014, two dozen thought leaders gather to craft an actionable response to the reports’ findings. They adopt a shared purpose and a month later publish an Agenda for Change with guiding principles and action steps to catalyze the transformation of water infrastructure.
First Committees Organized
New Jersey Future begins organizing committees to advance the agenda.
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation provides Grant
New Jersey Future realizes that the scale of the problem calls for a different level of response. The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation commits to supporting a collective impact approach and provides its first large grant to enable a capable backbone organization.
First Steering Committee Formed
New Jersey Future recruits 25 people to form the collaborative’s first steering committee. NJF staff move into a background role as “backbone staff.”
The Organization Continues to Take Shape
Participants adopt a name, logo and tagline, shared goals, and operating procedures.
Official Launch of Jersey Water Works
In December 2015, leaders launch Jersey Water Works with twelve goals and a common purpose: to repair the state’s inadequate water infrastructure and ensure sustainable, healthy communities.
Building the Collaborative Infrastructure
Backbone staff solidify the Jersey Water Works (JWW) collaborative infrastructure, including a website, communications platform for members, newsletters, and a summer membership meeting.
Committees at Work
Five working committees adopt a 2016 work plan and meet throughout the year.
Receipt of the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award
The collaborative is recognized with a Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award. Nearly 300 attendees celebrate progress at the Second Annual Jersey Water Works Conference.
Strategic Planning Process Launched
The Steering Committee launches a strategic planning process to identify the biggest systemic obstacles and the “priority solutions” needed to overcome them. The result is released in Our Water Transformed at the third annual JWW conference.
A Focus on Partnership Development
JWW develops partnerships with water associations, such as by forming the One Water Awards.
Priorities Report Published
Backbone staff coordinates testimony by JWW members to the Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure, which culminates in a final report reflecting JWW priorities.
Jersey Water Works' Rapid Growth Continues
Membership tops 480 and newsletter recipients top 3,058.
Coordination of a U.S. Water Alliance Delegation
JWW coordinates a 34-member New Jersey delegation to the U.S. Water Alliance.
Public Member Commitments Announced
JWW members make 42 public commitments to advance the collaborative’s goals.
Clean Water Made a Top Priority for the State of New Jersey
The new Murphy administration’s Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) picks clean water as a top priority. The Steering Committee meets with Commissioner McCabe and her staff.
A Focus on Advancing Equity Statewide
The Steering Committee holds a retreat on equity and identifies processes and committee projects that can help ensure JWW meets the needs of all New Jersians.
Recommendations from the Lead in Drinking Water Task Force Make News
The JWW Lead in Drinking Water Task Force recommendations make front page headlines in October. Governor Murphy joins the JWW press conference to announce a comprehensive lead initiative. Legislators introduce bills that largely mirror the task force recommendations.
National Recognition for Jersey Water Works
JWW is featured at national conferences and webinars hosted by the US Water Alliance, WaterNOW, and the National Academy of Sciences.
Jersey Water Check Launched
JWW produces data on water affordability, combined sewer plans, and more in preparation for launching the nation’s first statewide data dashboard, Jersey Water Check.
Members Unite to Raise Funds
JWW members raise funds for cities and towns to create stormwater utilities, and for grassroots groups to organize around CSOs, lead poisoning, and more.
Recommendations Made During the COVID-19 Pandemic
JWW urges the governor to adopt a moratorium on water shut offs during the pandemic, and his administration orchestrates a voluntary statewide utility moratorium.
