To the Editor:
In one day, Hopewell Borough residents will vote on whether to sell our community-owned water system. The decision is not just about water—it’s about our values, our independence, and our future. We must vote NO on the sale and demand transparency, accountability, and local control over this essential resource.
In 2022, one of Hopewell’s wells recorded a single PFAS result that exceeded the limit by just 1 part per trillion (ppt). Subsequent testing showed that PFAS levels dropped below the regulatory limit and have remained safely within acceptable levels ever since. Despite challenges, our water system remains safe, compliant, and fully capable of supporting our community.
In 2024, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) reviewed our water system and confirmed it is not failing. In fact, the NJDEP concluded that Hopewell is well-equipped to own and operate its water system sustainably. Their recommendation was clear: use the $2.34 million grant to improve our system, enhance local water independence, and bring Well #6 back online. With Well #6 functioning, Hopewell would save $270,000 a year, a savings we could reinvest in our own system.
NJDEP Determination of Hopewelll emergent conditions
Despite this, the Borough Council chose to abandon the grant and move forward with plans to sell the water system. Even though residents strongly voiced their opposition, the Council pushed ahead with the sale process—ignoring genuine input, not setting up a public referendum, or exploring alternatives. They went so far as to join forces with New Jersey American Water (NJAW) in public advertisements, further misleading the community about the benefits of selling.
The Council claims selling the water system will provide debt relief, but they’ve refused to pass those savings on to residents through lower taxes. The truth is, the Council plans to burden us with new debt—debt that would be used for discretionary projects.
Here’s what we know:
- Hopewell’s water is safe and compliant with all regulatory standards.
- Selling our water system would mean losing local control of a critical community asset.
- Our water system is self-funded and not-for-profit.
We can do better. We are smart enough, capable enough, and committed enough to manage our own water system. Communities like East Windsor and South Brunswick operate their own systems through Municipal Utilities Authorities (MUAs) — and so can we. With community input, transparency, and accountability, we can improve and sustain our water system for generations to come.
I urge all residents to vote NO on the sale of our water system. Demand accountability from the Council, and let’s work together to build a system that serves us all.
Together, we can ensure that Hopewell remains in control of its most valuable resource—our water. Let’s not give it away.
Sincerely,
June Schwank
Hopewell Borough
