The Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority (ACMUA) has been named Member System of the Year by the New Jersey Water Association (NJWA) in recognition of its outstanding achievements in water quality, infrastructure improvements and operational excellence. The award highlights ACMUA’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable water services to the residents of Atlantic City and surrounding communities.
“I’m incredibly proud to receive this award because the work we are doing at the MUA is truly transformational,” said Executive Director India Still. “The issues we face are complex and challenging; bringing an aged system and operation into the 21st century, but we have a strong, dedicated team as evidenced by the award.”
Over the past two years, ACMUA has made significant investments in capital and operational improvements, including:
• PFAS Removal: ACMUA was among the first water systems in the state to remove PFAS from drinking water, committing $1,000,000 to Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) change-outs.
• Lead Service Line Replacement Program: $26.4 million encumbered, including $18.5 million in principal forgiveness, to protect residents from lead exposure. • Distribution System Upgrades: $11.3 million invested in rehabilitation and modernization to improve reliability.
• Security Enhancements: $4 million dedicated to facility and system security improvements, fully funded through principal forgiveness.
• Building and Operational Improvements: $676,000 for facility upgrades, $1.2 million for vehicles, tools, and heavy equipment, and $226,000 for well maintenance and upgrades.
• Water Treatment Plant Upgrades: $786,000 invested to optimize treatment processes and ensure high water quality.
• Other Infrastructure Repairs: $135,000 allocated for miscellaneous system repairs to maintain reliability.
ACMUA has also continued its meter replacement project and expanded efforts to replace lead service lines, investing nearly $20 million, while carrying out ongoing distribution system improvements to enhance service delivery and community safety. Alongside
these capital investments, the ACMUA has made significant strides in strengthening its internal operations and organizational development. A comprehensive rate and salary study were completed to ensure financial responsibility and equity across the workforce. As a result, the Authority implemented revised salary structures and raised starting salaries that had been frozen since 2010. A revised organizational chart was introduced, and key management and mid-management staff were hired to support the growing operational and strategic needs of the organization.
The NJ Water Association’s Member System of the Year Award honors water utilities that demonstrate operational excellence, forward-looking capital planning, and exceptional service to their communities. ACMUA’s recognition underscores its leadership in advancing safe, sustainable water management in New Jersey.
For more information about ACMUA and its programs, visit acmua.org or follow the Authority on social media: @atlanticcitymua.
