West Orange, N.J. (August 28, 2026) - As communities across the United States recognize National Water Quality Month and water leaders worldwide convene for World Water Week, Trust in Water is highlighting a recent white paper documenting how private, regulated wastewater service providers have helped communities stabilize aging systems, reduce overflows and untreated discharges, modernize infrastructure and protect local waterways. When wastewater systems leak, overflow or otherwise fail, pollution can reach rivers and streams and threaten the clean water communities need to thrive. Investing in reliable wastewater infrastructure is also an investment in the environment.
The report, How Private, Regulated Wastewater Providers Are Transforming Communities, brings together eight case studies from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Missouri and Illinois. Across systems with different histories and needs, the paper identifies a consistent pattern: access to capital, technical expertise and economies of scale can help communities overcome years of underinvestment and put essential wastewater service on a more stable, compliant and sustainable path.
National Water Quality Month serves as a reminder that protecting water quality starts long before water reaches the tap. It depends on the wastewater systems beneath our communities working as they should. When those systems leak or overflow, the consequences extend beyond infrastructure. Untreated wastewater can pollute rivers, harm ecosystems and threaten the clean water. Investing in a stable, modern wastewater system is an investment in the environment.
A Record of Measurable Results
The communities featured in the white paper faced recurring sewer overflows, untreated discharges, aging treatment facilities, consent decrees and limited local capacity to fund the upgrades required. These conditions did not just threaten reliable service; they also put rivers, streams and surrounding ecosystems at risk. The case studies show how long-term investment, paired with accountable, professional operation, can stabilize essential infrastructure and deliver lasting environmental protection. Examples include the following:
Scranton, Pennsylvania: More than $287 million has been invested in system upgrades and combined sewer overflow controls. Regulatory violations declined from more than 15 to zero, more than 40 overflow-reduction projects have been completed or are in progress, and the system can capture and treat an additional 118 million gallons annually.
Long Hill, New Jersey: More than $53 million has supported wastewater improvements, including cleaning and lining more than 30,000 linear feet of sewer main and rehabilitating 130 manholes. The improvements helped the township lift its sewer ban and extend service to residents relying on aging septic systems while strengthening protection of the Passaic River.
York, Pennsylvania: The provider has invested $13.7 million to date and plans another $60 million in capital improvements through 2030. Modernization of the collection system has diverted up to 70 million gallons during peak-flow events and reduced overflow risks affecting Codorus Creek and downstream waterways.
The report also details how private, regulated providers helped eliminate raw sewage discharges in McKeesport, Pennsylvania; build resilience against wet-weather failures in Exeter, Pennsylvania; end chronic bypasses and overflow violations in Sheridan, Indiana; stabilize operations and improve monitoring in Ironton, Missouri; and address consent decree requirements through sustained investment in Godfrey, Illinois.
Reliable Wastewater Systems Protect Water Quality
The 2026 World Water Week theme, "Water for People and Progress," underscores the connection between dependable water infrastructure, public health, environmental protection and community opportunity. National Water Quality Month reinforces the same point: protecting water resources requires sustained investment in systems that safely collect and treat wastewater before pollution can reach the environment.
About Trust in Water
Trust in Water is a 501(c)(4) non-profit entity created to provide education about the role of private water and wastewater providers as trusted partners in delivering safe, clean, reliable, and sustainable water solutions to communities across America. For more information on Trust in Water, please visit www.trustinh2o.com.
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