defining the challenge: water resources sustainability: challenges & economic opportunities...

Defining the Challenge: Water Resources

Sustainability: Challenges & Economic Opportunities

November 5th

Chris SturmNew Jersey Future

About New Jersey Future

Smart Growth research, policy, advocacy and assistance

www.njfuture.org

Water Resources

Water Availability

Watershed Integrity

Water Quality

Human uses

Human Uses: Water Infrastructure

Performance• Drinking water: “C”• Wastewater: “D”

(American Society of Civil Engineers, 2007)

Investment needsDrinking water: $8 billionWastewater: $16.9 billionStormwater: $15.6 billion

Total: $40 billion

* 20-Year Needs (2008 EPA Estimate)

Institutions• 650 drinking water delivery systems • 260 community wastewater systems• ?? Stormwater systems

Combined Sewer Overflows

Climate Change

Losing Water, Losing Business, Losing Money…

Win Win Win Solutions

• Communicate• Optimize• Collaborate• Demonstrate• Invest

Communicate

Optimize Existing Systems

• Conserve Water• Manage assets like a business• Clean and fix pipe systems!

Demonstrate:Projects that Solve Problems

Flooding, CSO/stormwater management, Recreation, Parking, $$

Invest

• Rates…• Stormwater fee• Water tax?

Government’s Role?

• Environment – NJ Water Supply Plan– State stormwater management rules

• Economic Growth– Reliable, efficient infrastructure

• Fairness– Affordability issues– Green jobs

Thank you

Resources

www.njfuture.org• Ripple Effects• Agenda for Change• Growing Smart and

Waterwise (Pinelands)

www.togetherNorthJersey.comWater Resources Baseline Assessment

Facing our FutureInfrastructure Investments Necessary for Economic Success

Chris SturmSenior Director of State

Policy

New Jersey Futurecsturm@njfuture.org

609-393-0008, x114