Veolia Water New Jersey, which delivers drinking water to 1.2 million residents statewide, plans to add 3,500 more households and businesses to its service area after finalizing an agreement to acquire Manalapan Township’s water system. 

Last year, the Haworth-based division of Veolia North America bid $4 million for the Monmouth County township’s existing water system assets. The Asbury Park Press reported that it was the sole bidder. 

Veolia announced the deal would move forward April 17. The buyer noted that 67% of voters approved of the sale in a November 2024 referendum. 

In addition to the sale price, the company committed to more than $28 million in infrastructure improvements over the first 10 years of ownership. Veolia also offered rate stability for residents with a proposed five-year rate schedule. 

“We are honored by the trust the residents of Manalapan have placed in us and we are eager to make improvements that will serve this community,” Alan Weland, regional president, Veolia Water New Jersey, said in a statement. 

Some of the planned upgrades include: 

• Water main and valve replacements 
• Construction of a new state-of-the-art drinking water treatment facility 
• Water storage tank restoration projects 

Pending approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Veolia expects to close the acquisition in late 2025. 

Veolia has managed the water system for the township since 1995. 

“This sale will improve the water system and help us continue to make Manalapan a great place to live,” Manalapan Mayor Eric Nelson added. “Veolia has the experience and the expertise to make the necessary upgrades to the system to deliver safe water and reliable service to our families and our neighbors.”

Other purchases:

Camden-based New Jersey American Water also has expanded its service area with similar deals. Read more here.