Satisfying Multiple Competing Objectives on the First Nonpotable Municipal-Wide Irrigation System in New Jersey

Monroe Township Municipal Utilities Authority (Authority) provides public water and wastewater service to approximately 16,000 residential and commercial customers throughout Monroe Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Monroe Township experienced the beginnings of significant growth in development in the 1990's and the Authority recognized the pressures this aggressive growth would impose on the sustainability of its water supplies. In 1999, the Authority adopted a policy requiring all new commercial/industrial and large housing developments to use alternative water supplies (non-potable) for irrigation purposes. This was the beginning of the first of its kind municipal-wide nonpotable water irrigation system in New Jersey.This presentation will include a discussion of challenges and insights associated with development and implementation of a nonpotable water irrigation master plan to address the technical, financial, environmental and community outreach elements.