Rates Information

American Water’s rates are based on the true cost of providing water service to our customers. 

Rates can vary based on the cost of providing service in each of the communities we serve. Before it reaches your home or business, water is treated through an involved process. Water begins its journey at the source (river, stream, reservoir, aquifer) and travels through our water treatment plants, into our distribution network, to its final destination, your tap. Along the way, our team of professionals (certified operators, scientists and engineers) is using the latest technology to oversee and monitor this process. We test the water quality using leading edge methods we pioneered. We understand the value of having high-quality water service 24 hours a day, and are committed to providing it reliably.

Reliable, high-quality water service improves our lives and communities by:

• Protecting public health
• Providing fire protection
• Creating opportunities for economic growth

Rate Change Approved by the NJ Board of Public Utilities

On December 8, 2008, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved a $72.1 million rate increase for New Jersey American Water. Even with the increase, one gallon of New Jersey American Water costs less than a penny per gallon. The need for the rate change was driven largely by the approximately $325 million the company invested in its treatment and distribution facilities to help provide high-quality, reliable water and wastewater service since its last rate change approximately two years ago.

Transition to Monthly Billing
As part of the rate change, the NJBPU also approved the company's request to transition the remaining residential, commercial, industrial and private fire customers who are currently billed quarterly to monthly billing. This change will not take effect immediately. It is anticipated that the transition to monthly billing will take place some time in 2009. New Jersey American Water will communicate additional information to those moving to monthly billing prior to the actual transition. 

For More Information 

• Bill Inserts (see service area description below)
  • Service Area 1
  • Service Area 2 and 1A
  • Service Area 3
  • Service Area 1B
• News Release
• Read our Frequently Asked Q and A
• New Jersey American Water Effective Tariff - Water and Wastewater (pdf)
• Learn more information about the PWAC and PSTAC charges

Note about our service areas: 

• Service Area 2: In December 2006, the Elizabethtown Water Company merged with New Jersey American Water. The territory served by this former company has been renamed and is referenced in the tariff as Service Area 2.
• Service Area 3: In December 2006, the Mount Holly Water Company merged with New Jersey American Water. The territory served by this former company has been renamed and is referenced in the tariff as Service Area 3.
• Service Area 1A: In November 2007, New Jersey American Water acquired South Jersey Water Supply Company. The territory served by this former company has been renamed and is referenced in the tariff as Service Area 1A. 
• Service Area 1B: In November 2007, New Jersey American Water acquired Pennsgrove Water Supply Company. The territory served by this former company has been renamed and is referenced in the tariff as Service Area 1B. 

Payment Assistance

Sometimes customers face circumstances that stretch their financial resources. New Jersey American Water is here to assist. Our customer service representatives will work with you on a plan to pay the balance of the bill over time. You may also be qualified to receive assistance through our Low Income Payment Program/H2O Help to Others Program. Click here for more information on these services.