Ensuring good water quality is vital to the well-being of the population, the environment, and the economy. In New Jersey, there are state regulatory standards and processes that govern all water quality management plans and programs. These standards oversee both water quantity and quality, which both have daily impacts on local infrastructure.
When planning for effective water quality management (WQM), there are some relevant laws and protocols to be aware of. Read on to learn about water quality management planning in New Jersey.
As the leading provider of water quality services in New Jersey, O & M Solutions can help you solve all your operations and management needs. To learn more about water and wastewater management, call us at (732) 965-5764.
Rule NJAC 7:15 (WQMP Rule)
When it comes to water quality management planning (WQMP), there’s a comprehensive ruling document that addresses every aspect involved. This rule is called the NJAC 7:15. As laid out by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, NJAC 7:15 details water quality management planning requirements, policies, procedures, and more.
Containing six subchapters, the NJAC 7:15 rule defines and explains every policy scope in-depth, as well as the roles and processes of partnering agencies. Main sections of the document cover:
General planning requirements
Plans, entities, and responsibilities
Plan assessments and modification adoption procedures
Wastewater management planning
Water quality limited waters and total maximum daily loads
Watershed management grants
From construction and capacity analysis to sustainability measures and noncompliance rules, every operator and technician must be familiar with the details throughout this WQMP rule.
For more information about the history, potential changes, and effective dates of this rule, read through the New Jersey Administrative Code: Title 7.
Planning Frameworks for Vulnerable Water Resources
Several regions in New Jersey experience vulnerabilities in water resources. Where there are vulnerable land or water resources, significant planning frameworks must be established.
In the Highlands and Pinelands areas, two pieces of state legislation were passed to place limitations on resource use and promote responsible planning throughout the region. These are two examples of WQMP in effect.
In 1979, the Pinelands Protection Act was passed, requiring a Comprehensive Master Plan to be established which would control land use in the area of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The act prevented overdevelopment and unnecessary destruction of precious natural resources in the area.
Similarly, in 2004, the New Jersey legislature passed the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act in order to protect the 859,000-acre Highland region from overdevelopment and water pollution. As a vast space in northwest New Jersey, the Highlands contain water sources that serve more than 5.4 million people in surrounding areas. The initial planning of this act continues to monitor and sustain vulnerable resources, with county and municipal officials in oversight.
New Buildings: Designed With Water Quality Management in Mind
Water quality and wastewater management largely determine the construction of new buildings. Sewer systems and land development are intrinsically linked, as every building must abide by state and local wastewater regulations. Without careful planning or water quality management, small- and large-scale infrastructure would become greatly disturbed.
In larger, thriving communities, it’s especially important to consider WQM planning in development projects. Overuse of land, water, and sewer systems contribute to environmental and public health risks that can further threaten water quality long-term.
Water Infrastructure and Thriving Communities
New Jersey’s thriving communities require sustainable solutions to encourage better infrastructure. Simultaneously, organizations are advocating for the state to overcome systemic biases that impact unfair structural policy decisions. The New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map informs public and water management facilities on the latest news, best practices, and lead-in-water levels.
In an effort to support future water quality planning, other campaigns are influencing New Jersey’s WQM and wastewater treatment plants.
Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers monitors communities and businesses that share sewer systems, and encourages locals to actively engage in long-term sewer control plans.
Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure promotes greener stormwater infrastructure models throughout New Jersey, hoping to prevent water pollution and disastrous flooding.
Lead-Free NJ connects policymakers with community members on measures that protect children from tap water lead poisoning, with a focus on representation throughout lower-income areas and communities of color.
All of the above organizations and initiatives play a role in shaping WQM planning, as they offer a platform for community voices and concerns.
As Urban Areas Expand, So Should Water Quality Management Planning
Urban areas throughout the state of New Jersey continue to grow, partly due to generational shifts in location preferences and projected employment increases. With new buildings and larger populations come higher demands placed on water infrastructure. Wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater are major systems which cities heavily rely on, and the state must consider ways to expand these systems to accommodate urban expansion.
Unfortunately, it’s rare that elected officials prioritize water infrastructure improvements unless there’s an urgent need for attention. But New Jersey has learned a lot from past failures, such as recurring floods in Camden and Hoboken and the ongoing water infrastructure challenges throughout Jersey City.
As it stands, New Jersey water systems are in major need of WQM upgrades, particularly its combined sewer systems and combined sewer overflows. The combined sewer systems discharge sewage-laden rainwater into the New Jersey and New York harbors.
With growing water quality initiatives, advancing wastewater treatment plants, and many other green infrastructure efforts, urban expansion urges significant improvements for WQM state-wide.
Find Water and Wastewater Management in New Jersey
When it comes to compliance, vulnerable resources, sustainable water management, and urban development, water quality is a primary factor to consider. WQM relies on a complex set of systems that all require careful attention and maintenance. New Jersey expects continued innovation and policy change moving ahead, which indicates more WQM projects will go into effect.
When investing in WQM planning in New Jersey, contact a team of trained and experienced experts on water and wastewater management. At O&M Solutions, we support new, existing, and renovating facilities with water quality planning and management solutions — and even emergency assistance.
To learn more about how we can help your company with its water quality management needs throughout New Jersey, contact us today.