Welcome to New Jersey American Water!
We’re proud to be your wastewater service provider.


New Jersey American Water completed the acquisition of the Borough of Somerville’s wastewater system on October 3, 2023. We’ve proudly served as the Borough’s water service provider for nearly a century, and we look forward to providing you with the same level of quality service to meet your wastewater needs.

You’re in good hands.

Our focus is to provide you with safe, reliable wastewater service – and we have the people and technologies in place to get the job done right. As our valued customer, we wanted to share with you some information about the services we provide, as well as some changes that will be taking place over time.

About your rates.

As part of the sale agreement, New Jersey American Water committed to adopting the Borough’s existing wastewater rates at closing. New Jersey American Water is regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJ BPU) and any future proposed changes in rates will be subject to extensive review and approval. To learn more, visit Your Water and Wastewater Rates page. 

We’re transitioning you to monthly billing.

Previously, the Borough billed you twice a year for wastewater service. Beginning in October 2023, we’ll be transitioning you to monthly billing. Receiving 12 smaller bills instead of two larger bills often makes it easier for customers, especially those on fixed incomes, to include the cost of service in their monthly household budgets. In addition, if you are both a water and wastewater customer of New Jersey American Water, your water and wastewater charges will be included in one bill.

Here’s how the billing transition will work: Previously, the Borough billed you for wastewater services through September 30, 2023. New Jersey American Water will begin billing you for wastewater service in October 2023. The wastewater charges on your first bill will cover wastewater service from October 3 through New Jersey American Water’s first meter read date in October. You will then be billed monthly thereafter for wastewater service.

Please note: Somerville cannot accept payments on our behalf. If you prefer to pay in person, New Jersey American Water does have agreements with several authorized payment locations across the state. Here are the closest locations:

  • Friendly Check Cashing, 19-21 South Bridge Street, Somerville
  • WAL-MART, 100 N. Main Street, Manville
  • International Check Cashing Services, 337 Talmage Avenue, Bound Brook

For a complete listing, visit our In Person Payment Locations page. 

Additional benefits of being a New Jersey American Water customer.

  • Regular investment in our water and wastewater systems. We regularly evaluate our systems and facilities, prioritize projects and then make necessary capital investments to help improve service. Statewide, we invested $575 million in 2022 alone to improve the water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems. Locally, we plan to invest $9.5 million in the first 10 years of ownership, including sewer main, service lateral and manhole upgrades, GIS mapping, and inflow and infiltration studies.
  • High-quality service. Our team of water and wastewater experts and licensed operators has an exceptional track record when it comes to meeting regulatory requirements. With New Jersey American Water’s strong reputation for leadership, innovation and expertise, we have what it takes to meet the needs of your community.
  • Commitment to our customers and the environment. We promote wise water use, support environmental programs and offer water experts to speak to your school, civic and neighborhood groups.
  • Emergency notification system. In case of emergencies, we use a notification system to quickly alert customers via phone, text and email. Visit amwater.com/mywater to choose how you want to be notified and to update your contact information. You can also report an emergency online at emergency.amwater.com or through MyWater.
  • Paperless Billing and Auto Pay. Enroll in Paperless Billing, and we’ll notify you by email when your bill is available to view online. Take it one step further and sign up for our recurring Auto Pay. With Auto Pay, your bill will be paid on time, every time, automatically on the due date. No stamps required. You can choose to have your monthly bill automatically applied to your credit card or deducted directly from your checking or savings account. It’s easy to enroll online using our self-service tool MyWater at amwater.com/mywater. All you need is your account number, which you will receive with your first bill.
  • A helping hand for customers in need. Through our H2O Help to Others Program™, we offer financial assistance to help customers who qualify pay their water and/or wastewater bill. For more information or to see if you qualify, visit our Customer Assistance Programs page or contact our program administrator New Jersey SHARES, toll-free, at 1-877-652-9426 (1-877-NJAWH2O).

We’re here to answer your questions.

Our customer service representatives are available to answer your questions at 1-800-272-1325, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For emergencies: we’re available at this number 24/7. You can also access MyWater anytime to view and pay your bill, track water use, and sign up for paperless billing and more. Visit amwater.com/mywater to register. It’s that easy. Be sure to have your account number handy.

It’s a privilege to serve you.

We are excited to be your new wastewater service provider. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When did New Jersey American Water acquire the wastewater system?

    October 3, 2023

  2. Did it require regulatory approval?

    Yes. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved New Jersey American Water’s Petition to provide wastewater service in the Borough of Somerville at its September 27, 2023 meeting.

  3. Does New Jersey American Water plan to invest in the Borough of Somerville’s wastewater system?

    Yes    , locally, we plan to invest $9.5 million in the first 10 years of ownership    , including sewer main, service lateral and manhole upgrades, GIS mapping, and inflow and infiltration studies.  

  4. Does New Jersey American Water provide water and wastewater service to other areas?

    Yes. You’re in good hands. New Jersey American Water is the largest water service provider in the state, serving approximately 2.8 million people in more than 190 communities. We also provide water service to 30 additional communities through bulk purchase water agreements. Our focus is to provide you with safe, reliable water and wastewater service – and we have the people and technologies in place to get the job done right. Plus, we have access to national resources. Our parent company, American Water, is the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility in the U.S., with extensive experience and a strong reputation for leadership, innovation and expertise in water and wastewater services.

  5. Are my rates changing as a result of this acquisition?

    As part of the sale agreement, New Jersey American Water committed to adopting the Borough’s existing wastewater rates at closing. New Jersey American Water is regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and any future proposed changes in wastewater rates will be subject to extensive review and approval. To learn more, visit newjerseyamwater.com. Under Customer Service & Billing, select Your Water and Wastewater Rates. 

    NOTE: All other fees for the Borough of Somerville wastewater customers will be in accordance with the New Jersey American Water tariff approved by the NJBPU.  

  6. Will I continue to be billed bi-annually?  

    No. Beginning in October 2023, New Jersey American Water will be transitioning customers to monthly billing. Receiving 12 smaller bills instead of two larger bills a year often makes it easier for customers, especially those on fixed incomes, to include the cost of wastewater service in their monthly household budgets. In addition, if you are both a water and wastewater service customer of New Jersey American Water, your water and wastewater charges will be included in one bill.  

    Here’s how the billing transition will work: Previously, the Borough billed you for wastewater services through September 30, 2023. New Jersey American Water will begin billing you for wastewater service in October 2023. The wastewater charges on your first bill will cover wastewater service from October 3 through New Jersey American Water’s first meter read date in October. You will then be billed monthly thereafter for wastewater service.  

  7. Will future rate changes have to undergo regulatory or governmental approvals? 

    Yes. New Jersey American Water is a regulated utility subject to governmental review and approval of any changes in rates. Wastewater service rates are regulated by the NJBPU. The process for any future changes in rates will be open, transparent and comply with all regulations.   

  8. If I have a past or current amount due with the Borough of Somerville, who do I pay that to? 

    • Borough of Somerville wastewater bill: Any amounts due for wastewater service that were billed by the Borough of Somerville must be paid to the Borough of Somerville to the address provided on your bill.  
    • New Jersey American Water water/wastewater bills: Any past or current due balance billed by New Jersey American Water for water service and/or wastewater service should be paid to us. The Borough of Somerville cannot accept payments on behalf of New Jersey American Water. 

     

  9. Can I pay my sewer bill in person at the Borough of Somerville office? 

    No. The Borough of Somerville cannot accept payments on our behalf. If you prefer to pay in person,  

    here are a few nearby locations:

    • FRIENDLY CHECK CASHING, 19-21 South Bridge St, Somerville 
    • WAL-MART STORES, 100 No. Main St, Manville 
    • INTERNATIONAL CHECK CASHING SERVICES, 337 Talmage Ave, Bound Brook 
    • WAL-MART STORES, 3576 Route 22 West, Whitehouse Station  

    For a complete listing of authorized payment locations, visit us online. Under Pay My Bill, select Pay In Person. 

  10. What payment options are available? 

    • Online: Visit www.amwater.com/billpay. Note: Our payment partner, Paymentus, charges $1.95 per transaction for e-check, credit card and debit card payments. Want to avoid the transaction fee? There is no charge to pay by e-check through our web self-service tool, MyWater (mywater.amwater.com). 
    • Auto Pay: Your bill will be paid on time, every time, directly from your checking or savings account, or applied to your credit card on the date it is due. No stamps are required. You’ll still receive a copy of your bill before the due date, so you will have time to ask any questions before payment. Would you like to enroll today? [Call reps – follow standard process to enroll customer in Auto Pay.] 
    • By mail to the address provided on your bill. 
    • Credit card: You can use your Visa or MasterCard by calling 1.855.748.6066. Note: Our payment partner, Paymentus, charges $1.95 per transaction. Want to avoid the transaction fee? There is no charge to pay by e-check through our web self-service tool, MyWater (amwater.com/mywater). 
    • In person: New Jersey American Water has agreements with several authorized payment locations across the state.  

     

  11. If I am a metered water customer, how is my wastewater usage calculated?  

    The Sewer Usage Charge will be based on your actual water consumption, but not less than 2,493 gallons per month, in the winter months of January, February, and March. The usage for each month, April through December, is based on 1/3 of your winter months (winter quarter) consumption, but not less than 2,493 gallons per month. 

     

  12. I’m on a fixed income. Do you have any programs to assist customers? 

    Yes, we have a customer assistance program for our water and wastewater customers. For nearly two decades, New Jersey American Water has been assisting residential customers who qualify through its H2O Help to Others Program™ in three ways:  
     

    • Grants: Customers who qualify may receive a grant of up to $500 to help pay their bill.  
    • Discount on the fixed service charge for water and/or wastewater service for those who qualify.  
    • Water-saving kits 

    To qualify for these programs, customers have to be at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. For more information or to see if you qualify, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com/h2oprogram, or contact our program administrator New Jersey SHARES, toll-free, at 1-877-652-9426 (1-877-NJAWH2O).