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PAYMENT OPTIONS

Looking Out for Your Interest

  • May 26, 2021
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Attention Delaware Residents: Do acronyms such as H2O, Cl2, WTP and CCR only serve to confuse and overwhelm you? You’re not alone.  These acronyms are simply abbreviations for terms commonly used in the water industry, and stand for water, chlorine, water treatment plant and consumer confidence report, respectively. Oftentimes, jargon used outside of the industry is not well understood, which is why some consumers may be compelled to disregard information if it appears to be too complicated. As a property owner of real estate, you may periodically receive a letter from Middlesex Water Company affiliate, Tidewater Utilities (TUI) in reference to a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). Take a moment to understand the value of the often misinterpreted CPCN program.

While not specific to the water industry, the history of CPCN’s date back to the late 1800’s when they were first developed to prevent duplication of services, protect investments through rate regulation and balance the social and organizational goals of society.  They also helped to manage competition, and avoid the targeting of specific customers based on their geography.   To summarize, the goal of a CPCN program is to make services accessible to the public in a fair and equitable manner for all parties. In order for TUI to supply water to a property, it must first be granted the water rights to serve that property by the governing regulatory agency. The agency will only approve the right to serve each parcel to one organization, giving the grantor the legal right to serve in perpetuity, unless a petition to withdraw is presented and approved.

Who Does a CPCN Affect?

If you reside within town limits you are likely served by the town’s public water system. The town already holds the rights or the CPCN to serve your property. Similarly, if you live in a subdivision with an established water supply, the related steps to secure the CPCN was most likely sorted out during the development phase of your community. If, however, you live outside of the town limit or independent of a subdivision, you may not have encountered the need for a CPCN because you may have a private well. If a private water supply is already located in your area or you anticipate that connecting to a private supply might be advantageous in the future, having the administrative steps of the CPCN process completed will expedite the connection if and once you decide you want to connect with that water service.

Applying for a CPCN

Securing a CPCN with TUI is easy. As previously mentioned, you may receive a letter or you can access the petition online. Complete the petition and make sure that the legal owner(s) of the parcel(s) sign in order to validate the petition. Return the signed original petition to us and we will perform the next steps which include filing the request with the governing agency, publishing a public notice and responding to questions, if applicable. The governing agency will grant/deny approval and we will notify you accordingly. If you sell your property after the CPCN has been approved, the water rights to serve your parcel remains with us and does not dissolve with the transfer of ownership. At any point in the future, if infrastructure is available, you may connect by completing a water service application and remitting the applicable fees. It is important to note that we cannot guarantee service will be available to you, even if the CPCN is granted, nor will you be required to connect once water mains are established.

Plan Your Future Water Needs

The CPCN program is designed to ensure that there are adequate facilities to meet demand, provide affordable rates by leveraging economies of scale and encourage sensible investments in infrastructure. Furthermore, consumers on a private water supply benefit from having a continuous water supply (even when the electric goes out) that meets water quality standards. Lastly, it’s important to be comfortable with the technical excellence and reputation of the system with which you might consider connecting.  Is their team visible, approachable? How do they ensure water quality, how engaged are they in the communities they serve? Participating in the CPCN program secures your option and potential future access to a dependable water supply. Taking action now to safeguard your family and future generations with a back-up plan for essential water services will prevent unnecessary worry in the event that your well becomes compromised. We’re here to help you navigate what can be a tricky decision.  To learn more about our CPCN program or to start your petition contact one of our friendly and helpful team members by calling 302-734-7500 ext. 1014 and ask for Joe.  Or email [email protected].

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Middlesex Water Company

Middlesex Water Company
485C Route 1 South, Suite 400
Iselin, NJ 08830

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MATERIALS VERIFICATION TEST

The Materials Verification Test below can help you figure out if you have a lead, galvanized steel, copper, or plastic service line on the portion of the service line you own. When you have completed the visual inspection, please submit your results using the following survey link. If you have a lead or galvanized steel service line, Middlesex Water will contact you to confirm the results and schedule your service line replacement.

What you need:

  1. House key or coin
  2. Strong refrigerator magnet

Steps to check your service line:

  1. Find the water meter in your basement or outside your home and look at the service line that enters the water meter.
  2. Use the house key or coin to carefully scratch the pipe surface.
  3. Compare the scratched area to the following descriptions:
    • If it looks shiny and silver, the pipe is made of lead. A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.
    • If it is a dull gray color with no noticeable scratch on the surface, the pipe is galvanized steel. A magnet will stick to a galvanized steel pipe.
    • If it is the same color as a penny, the pipe is copper. A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe.
    • If it is smooth and red, blue, white, or black, the pipe is plastic. A magnet will not stick to a plastic pipe.
  4. Report your service line material in this SURVEY

ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

THE MIDDLESEX WATER ENTERPRISE WILL:

• Comply with, or produce results better than, applicable laws and regulations set forth by state utility commissions and government environmental regulatory agencies.

• Include the consideration of environmental impact in all business strategies, initiatives and project plans.

• Work to ensure a reliable source of water supply.

• Promote respect for the environment as part of our Company’s culture among employees and our suppliers in their daily operations.

• Focus on reducing the amount of water lost (non-revenue) in our distribution system and employ leak detection and other available technology to achieve this goal.

• Prevent pollution, reduce waste and minimize the consumption of resources to minimize risks to the environment.

• Continually work to educate customers about the importance of protecting and preserving our natural resources and the importance of wise water use.

• Educate, train and motivate employees to carry out tasks in an environmentally responsible manner.

• Build in system resiliency to mitigate effects of climate change and other short and long-term climate related challenges.

• Use efficient practices that save fuel, energy and water.

• Work with our industry and legislative representatives to shape public policy and legislation that supports water objectives and helps ensure safe drinking water.

• Invest prudently in our systems for infrastructure stability, operational resiliency and continued sustainability utilizing sound asset management planning.

• Engage with our community to ensure responsiveness to local needs and interests.

• Work in collaboration with our communities, local municipal officials and our vendors to ensure a clean, safe, reliable and resilient water supply.

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