PROJECT SUMMARY
In January 1999, United Water (previously US Water) began a 20-year public-private partnership with the City of Camden to operate, maintain, manage and repair the City's water treatment, water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

United Water is saving the City over $2 million in annual system operating costs: prior to the contract, the City's operating costs exceeded $9 million, as compared to US Water's first-year O&M contract fee of $6.7 million. United Water has dramatically improved water quality as a result of its regular system-wide flushing program, proper maintenance and improved operations and management. United Water restored and maintained regulatory compliance and enhanced communications with the regulatory agencies on the City's behalf. In the first contract year, United Water collected $14 million of water and sewer system revenues for the City, of which nearly $6 million represented previously uncollected system revenues. Water and sewer billing cycles are now up-to-date. All system revenues collected by United Water are for the City's benefit. The City controls water and sewer rates, and none have increased as a result of United Water's contract. United Water assists the City with system-related capital planning. At contract commencement, United Water employed the existing City utility department workers and agreed to a "no economic layoff" policy. In 2000, United Water completed negotiations with the employees' union for a four-year bargaining agreement.

The company is an active corporate supporter of City youth organizations, educates the community about water conservation and supports businesses by purchasing operating supplies from City-based and minority-owned businesses.

United Water provides technical assistance, as the City's agent, on water and sewer issues related to ongoing commercial and neighborhood redevelopment projects.

Scope of Services:
Long-term operations, maintenance and management (OM&M) concession for water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, and customer billing and collection for 87,500 population.

Size of Facilities:
18-MGD Morris-Delair Water Treatment Facility, 3-MGD Parkside Water Treatment Facility and 18-MGD wastewater collection system.

Description of Processes:
20-year concession agreement began on January 29, 1999.

• Cost Savings - Saving the City over $2 million in annual system operating costs.
• Improved Water Quality - Dramatically improved water quality through regular system-wide flushing program, proper maintenance and improved operations and management.
• Revenue Enhancement - In the first contract year, collected $14 million of water and sewer system revenues for the City, nearly $6 million of which was previously uncollected.
• Rate Stability - No water and sewer rates have increased as a result of United Water's contract.
• Community Investment - Serves as an active corporate supporter of City youth organizations, educated the community about water conservation, and purchases operating supplies from City-based and minority-owned businesses.