Water providers Asked to Suspend Shut-Offs, Evictions Paused in NJ

 Governor Phil Murphy and his administration have taken a series of additional steps to protect residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in recent days. Today, March 23, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, along with the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection and president of the Board of Public Utilities asked water providers throughout the state to suspend all shut-offs during the outbreak.

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 While not a formal order, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has requested that all providers in the state commit to the agreement in writing to the DEP. The Newark Water Department, Trenton Water Works, New Jersey American Water, and Suez, have already publicly made this commitment.
 
 “Leadership across public and private industries need to step up to protect the people of New Jersey during this unprecedented crisis,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “We are glad to see so many providers who have already made this commitment and expect others to follow suit shortly. If we work together, we can win the war against coronavirus.”
 
 For more information on the administration’s request, read more here.
 
 In another move to protect residents during the crisis, the Governor issued Executive Order No. 106, on March 19, imposing a moratorium on removing individuals from their homes pursuant to an eviction or foreclosure proceeding.
 
 More information regarding the governor’s order and evictions can be found by visiting here.
 
 For those with questions or concerns related to the coronavirus, call the free, 24-hour public hotline at 2-1-1 or 1-800-962-1253, where trained professionals are standing by to answer your questions. New Jersey residents can now also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and stay informed. To receive live text assistance, residents can text their zip code to 898-211.  More information is also available on the state’s coronavirus webpage. 
 
 Information regarding Camden County’s preparations, response, and general information provided to the public is available by visiting camdencounty.com. Residents should frequently check the county webpage and social media for up-to-date information.