Public-Private Partnership "First" Will Operate Hoboken Water System

HARRINGTON PARK, NJ, June 30, 1994 -- New Jersey's first public-private partnership will begin operating Hoboken's water system tomorrow. Hoboken Water Services will be responsible for the day to day management of the system which serves more than 30,000 people. Hoboken Water Services is an affiliate of United Water Resources (NYSE: UWR), which is the parent of Hackensack Water Company.

The City of Hoboken will retain ownership of the distribution system which consists of the underground pipes that carry water throughout the city. The operations contract between Hoboken and United Water represents the first public-private partnership of its kind in New Jersey.

Officials of both United Water Resources and the City of Hoboken were on hand today for a kick-off ceremony. United Water paid Hoboken $5.5 million as its contribution for the partnership. The company has also budgeted $3 million for capital improvements and repairs over the first ten years.

"We're delighted to be part of the Hoboken community," said Donald L. Correll, president and CEO of United Water. "We believe this partnership will result in improved services to Hoboken. In fact, we think this public-private partnership will be emulated by other municipal and private water systems across the country."

Under terms of the agreement, Hoboken Water Services will sub-contract with Hackensack Water Company to handle the day-to-day upkeep of the city's water mains, water meters and fire hydrants. The company will also provide 24-hour emergency service, manage accounts, do the billing and respond to customer inquiries. The City of Hoboken will continue to purchase water from Jersey City.

Hackensack Water Company and city personnel are now reading meters so Hoboken customers can receive a final bill from the city. After that, customers will receive bills from Hoboken Water Services.

Meter readers wear Hackensack Water Company I.D. badges. The badges have the meter reader's name, color photo, social security number and date the card was issued. Customers should ask to see the meter reader's I.D. They can also call 1-800-422-5987 if they would like to verify a meter reader's identity.

In the coming months, the company plans to invest $1 million to install automatic meter reading equipment for Hoboken's customers. This technology allows a computer to read meters over telephone lines and eliminates estimated bills and the need to wait at home for a meter reader.
Customers who have questions can call the numbers listed below:

Customer Service 1-800-422-0141
Emergencies (24 hours) 1-800-422-5987

United Water Resources is the parent company of Hackensack Water Company, Spring Valley Water Company and General Waterworks, which provide water services to two million people in 14 states. United Water is the nation's second largest investor owned water services company.