Trenton Water Works has become a flashpoint between city leaders & outsiders

The future of Trenton Water Works (TWW), one of New Jersey’s oldest public utilities, has become a flashpoint between city leadership and critics who allege proposed changes could undermine local control of the critical infrastructure.

Mayor Reed Gusciora asserted his commitment to maintaining city ownership of the 220-year-old water system, which serves approximately 225,000 residents across Trenton and four neighboring municipalities.

“Trenton Water Works remains one of our city’s most valuable assets,” Gusciora stated, noting recent improvements including lead service line replacements and operational upgrades made under state oversight.

However, the mayor acknowledged significant challenges facing the system, including nearly $1 billion in needed capital upgrades and ongoing litigation from service municipalities.

The city is currently studying the feasibility of a regional authority structure while insisting any transfer of control would require fair compensation to Trenton residents.

The debate intensified following the introduction of New Jersey Senate Bill S3181, which proposes creating a Mercer Regional Water Services Commission to oversee TWW operations.

Former City Councilwoman Robin Vaughn has emerged as a vocal opponent, calling the measure a “hostile takeover” that would benefit wealthier neighboring communities at Trenton’s expense.

“Trentonians voted to purchase this utility in 1859, and any decision about its future must remain in their hands,” Vaughn wrote in a widely circulated email, urging residents to oppose the legislation. She emphasized that surrounding municipalities pay water rates but don’t contribute to Trenton’s tax base supporting the system.

TWW has faced operational challenges in recent years, including a 2022 Unilateral Administrative Order from the NJDEP citing concerns about water quality monitoring, infrastructure maintenance, and potential public health risks. A subsequent review found numerous invalid water quality samples, resulting in regulatory violations.

The utility’s aging infrastructure includes a 60-million-gallon filtration plant, 100-million-gallon reservoir, and 683 miles of transmission lines delivering an average of 27 million gallons daily. Supporters of regional oversight argue shared governance could improve management, while opponents maintain it would dilute Trenton’s authority over a vital public asset.

As discussions continue, city officials stress that no decisions about TWW’s future will be made without public input and democratic process. The mayor’s office plans to work with state regulators to evaluate all options while protecting Trenton residents’ interests.