Summary
The council passed a resolution supporting a DEP‑backed process to investigate forming a regional water authority for Trenton Water Works; the measure passed 5‑0.
Hamilton Township Council on Aug. 19 approved a resolution asking that the Department of Environmental Protection and state partners pursue a process to explore regionalizing Trenton Water Works.
Council members framed the move as a response to persistent operational and infrastructure shortcomings at Trenton Water Works. Council leadership said independent third‑party evaluations have found a high risk of catastrophic failure and argued that regional governance including all served municipalities could improve transparency, service delivery and capital planning.
The resolution (No. 125‑342) was presented during the meeting and opened for comment. A council speaker said the water utility is currently owned by the City of Trenton while about 60 percent of Trenton Water Works customers live outside Trenton; he called for a restructuring that would give all served communities a governance role. The presenter also said state agencies including the NJDEP are supportive of pursuing a regional solution.
After public comment and council discussion, the council voted to move the resolution. The clerk recorded five affirmative votes and the vote passed 5‑0.
Why it matters: most Hamilton residents receive water from Trenton Water Works; the resolution supports a state‑led process that could change governance, funding and long‑term capital investments affecting water quality and service reliability.
Sources and attribution: presentation and vote recorded in the Aug. 19 council meeting minutes and transcript.
