Mayor W. Reed Gusciora’s Preliminary Response to the DEP’s Letter Regarding Trenton Water Works

On July 31, Mayor Gusciora issued the following statement: The City takes the situation at Trenton Water Works (TWW) extremely seriously. My administration has not only recognized the long-standing challenges, but has taken concrete, proactive steps to address them. In fact, we were the ones who removed TWW from the Department of Public Works and established it as a standalone department led by directors with deep expertise in water systems.

It is simply not accurate to suggest that no action has been taken. Over the past several years, TWW has launched a multi-year capital improvement plan, retained nationally respected financial and rate consultants, and initiated meaningful operational reforms—including legislation now before City Council to improve recruitment and cost recovery. We are not defending the status quo; we are actively working to reverse decades of underinvestment through transparent, sustainable reform.

What we cannot support, however, is being strong-armed into a predetermined outcome—namely, regionalization—without proper due diligence, public engagement, and accountability. A study of regionalization? Absolutely. But a forced transfer of Trenton’s water assets and authority without guarantees or meaningful local input? That’s not governance—that’s coercion.

We remain open to any solution that ensures safe, reliable water service. But any restructuring must safeguard Trenton’s workforce, its ratepayers, and its long-term interests. These points are detailed in my formal response to Commissioner LaTourette, which will be released in the coming days.

Trenton will continue working toward a lasting solution—but we’ll do it responsibly. What the State must also reckon with is its own historical neglect of the Capital City. The people of Trenton must be at the center of this process—not treated as an afterthought.

W. Reed Gusciora

Mayor, City of Trenton