Former Trenton City Councilwoman Robin Vaughn has publicly criticized the potential sale or transfer of oversight of the Trenton Water Works (TWW), calling it a “hostile takeover” of the 165-year-old public utility.
TWW, one of the largest publicly owned urban water systems in the United States, serves approximately 225,000 residents across Trenton and four surrounding municipalities in Mercer County.
State and local officials are plotting to steal the utility from Trenton residents and give partial ownership to four more affluent neighboring communities.
In an email circulated to constituents and shared with local media, Vaughn expressed strong opposition to New Jersey Senate Bill S3181, which proposes the establishment of the Mercer Regional Water Services Commission to oversee operations of TWW.
Vaughn accused Mercer County officials and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora of mismanagement and alleged that the proposed commission would undermine Trenton’s governance of the utility.
“Trentonians, let’s put a stop to this insanity immediately,” Vaughn wrote. “As taxpayers of Trenton, we can challenge this lawlessness and aggression against our municipality.”
TWW, established in 1859, draws water from the Delaware River and supplies an average of 27 million gallons of drinking water daily to 63,000 metered customers.
The system includes a 60-million-gallon water filtration plant, a 100-million-gallon reservoir, and 683 miles of transmission lines.
Despite its historical significance and critical role in the region, TWW has faced significant operational and regulatory challenges in recent years, especially since Gusciora became mayor in 2018.
In October 2022, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) to TWW for failing to properly operate and maintain the system.
The order cited concerns about uncovered reservoirs, potential Legionella and lead risks, and delays in capital improvements.
A third-party oversight contractor was appointed to evaluate the system and address immediate needs to prevent catastrophic failures.
A forensic data evaluation conducted by NJDEP and an independent consultant revealed that a majority of TWW’s water quality samples collected between November 2022 and 2023 were invalid, resulting in violations of federal and state regulations.
TWW was required to notify the public of these violations by December 6, 2024, and faced additional enforcement actions, including a Notice of Violation and an Administrative Order with civil penalties.
Vaughn emphasized Trenton residents’ dual role as both taxpayers and ratepayers, arguing that they have a greater stake in TWW than the surrounding municipalities that purchase water from the utility.
“Our ownership and stake in our water department are not merely as ‘ratepayers,'” she wrote. “The other four towns do not pay taxes to help fund all our city departments, including Trenton Water Works.”
The proposed Mercer Regional Water Services Commission has sparked debate over local control versus regional oversight of critical infrastructure.
Supporters of the scheme argue that a regional approach could improve management and address systemic issues, while opponents like Vaughn view it as an encroachment on Trenton’s autonomy.
Vaughn urged residents to contact their elected representatives, including U.S. Congress members, state legislators, county commissioners, and city council members, to oppose the creation of the commission and any related legislation.
As the debate continues, the future of TWW remains uncertain, with stakeholders weighing the need for improved oversight against concerns about local control and the utility’s long-term sustainability.