NJ Legislature Honors Ridgewood Water Officials for Pioneering Lead Pipe Replacement Leadership
(Pictured left to right: Assemblyman Gary Schaer; Yolanda McCollom, Ridgewood Water Engineer; Mike Furrey, Jersey Water Works; and Deandrah Cameron, New Jersey Future.)
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In a major recognition of local leadership driving statewide water infrastructure reform, the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly have issued an official legislative resolution honoring the Jersey Water Works Lead Service Line Implementation Work Group.
The resolution recognizes the collaborative group for its pioneering policy innovation, technical leadership, and dedicated efforts to accelerate lead pipe replacement across New Jersey communities.
Pioneering Policy Innovation in Water Safety
The work group recently received the Lead Service Line Replacement Policy Innovation Award, which highlights creative regulatory and administrative solutions that overcome common hurdles in lead service line removal.
Key challenges addressed by the group’s policy framework include:
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Securing Infrastructure Funding: Identifying flexible grants and low-interest loans for municipal water systems.
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Engaging Absentee Landlords: Establishing clear pathways and legal frameworks to replace lead lines on rented or non-owner-occupied properties.
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Homeowner Payment Options: Developing structured, manageable financing plans to assist residents with private-side replacement costs.
Ridgewood Water’s Key Role in Statewide Impact
Ridgewood Water officials have played an instrumental role in guiding the coalition since its inception:
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Yolanda McCollom, Ridgewood Water Engineer, currently serves as co-chair of the work group, leading ongoing policy strategies to modernize municipal infrastructure across New Jersey.
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Richard Calbi, Ridgewood Water Director, co-founded the work group in 2021 and served as co-chair prior to McCollom, laying the foundation for current statewide lead-abatement standards.
Legislative Recognition Presentation
The legislative resolution underscores New Jersey’s ongoing commitment to ensuring clean, safe drinking water by replacing legacy lead service lines statewide.
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#RidgewoodWater,#GettingTheLeadOut,#LeadServiceLineReplacement,#NJNews,#BergenCounty,#CleanWater,#WaterInfrastructure
