There is a broad recognition
of the need for consistent reinvestment in New Jersey’s aging water system infrastructure to ensure that it will continue to serve the needs of our State as well as reduce the risk to the environment, economy, and public health.
The Department works to ensure New Jersey has adequate, reliable, safe, and sustainable water for current and future needs, users, and the environment.
Learn MoreWIPA, the Water Infrastructure Protection Act, authorizes certain owners of water or wastewater systems to enter into a long-term lease or sell their water or wastewater assets to a capable private or public entity, without a referendum, if Emergent Conditions exist.
Learn MoreGreen Infrastructure more naturally manages stormwater, allowing better infiltration of above-ground stormwater into the ground water deeper beneath our feet.
Learn MoreA growing global problem, harmful algal blooms are not caused by true algae but rather by cyanobacteria that in many ways resemble and behave like algae.
Learn MoreWater emergencies can cause severe disruption because they are unexpected. Preparation and planning for emergencies can ease the impacts.
For more information on emergencies go to
From mid-May through September, New Jersey’s Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program monitors recreation beach water quality.
Learn MoreThe NJ Geological and Water Survey is a public service and research agency within NJDEP. The Survey’s mission includes mapping, researching, interpreting, and providing scientific information regarding the state's geology and ground water resources.
Learn MoreCentral location for NJDEP’s stormwater related technical information, guidance materials, educational resources, forms and applications for stormwater management professionals, permittees, and the general public.
Learn MoreA Water Allocation Permit is required for the diversion of ground and/or surface water in excess of 100,000* gallons per day for a period of more than 30 days in a 365 consecutive day period, for purposes of agriculture, aquaculture, or horticulture.
Learn MoreNJDEP in partnership with the NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust work together to provide low cost financing for the design, construction, and implementation of projects that help protect and improve water quality and help ensure safe and adequate drinking water.
Learn MoreThere are about 800 licensed drillers and 400 licensed pump installers in New Jersey.
Learn MoreThe Water Compliance & Enforcement program is responsible for ensuring compliance with the State's water programs. A particular focus is placed on inspections of wastewater discharge and community drinking water supply facilities.
Learn MoreThe following are Boards, Commissions, Advisory Groups, etc. which are independent of the Department but whose work is affiliated with the department's mission or whose advice is provided to the Commissioner for consideration in setting department policy.
Pat Gardner serves as Assistant Commissioner for Water Resource Management under Commissioner McCabe.
She has worked in the field of environmental protection for more than 30 years, starting her career with the DEP in the Radiation programs. She joined the Water Resource Management program six years ago. In Water Resource Management, Pat served as Director of the Division of Water Supply & Geoscience for 4½ years and Director of the Division of Water Monitoring & Standards for 1½ years.
TRENTON – As part of the international promotion of Climate Week 2020, the Administration of Governor Phil Murphy will promote “Jersey Strong on Climate,” a weeklong virtual public education campaign led by the Department of Environmental Protection intended to help inform the public about the current and future climate threats New Jersey faces and the Administration’s actions to reduce and respond to climate change.
The Department is committed to working with Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) permittees and CSO communities to reduce or eliminate CSOs. As part of this commitment, NJDEP has been assisting permittees in meeting their permit obligations by providing technical assistance, guidance, and training
Category 1 (C1) is an antidegradation designation that is designed to protect high quality waters from degradation. C1 waters are protected from any “measurable change” to existing water quality because of their exceptional ecological significance, exceptional recreational significance, exceptional water supply significance, or their significance as an exceptional fisheries resource. This new story map allows users to explore the latest set of 2020 C1 upgrades (including the criteria for designation) as well as all other previously designated C1 waters throughout the state.
This new story map, launched in conjunction with the release of the DEP’s 2016 Integrated Water Quality Assessment, provides water quality trends at the state, regional and local levels as well as the status of water bodies in attaining ecological and designated-use goals. Users may zoom in on 958 assessment units – essentially sub-watersheds averaging about eight square miles each – to look up information providing a fuller picture of the ecological conditions and challenges for each of those areas.
New Jersey is working to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. So far, its efforts have been successful, with New Jersey’s attainment of the 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal years ahead of schedule. New Jersey is now looking ahead to its 2050 Goal and is accelerating its transition to a low carbon economy through reducing its carbon pollution, expanding its clean energy infrastructure and building resilient communities.