WASHINGTON BOROUGH, N.J. (Warren County) — New Jersey American Water officially broke ground Tuesday on a new operations center in Washington, marking a major investment in infrastructure, service reliability, and resiliency for customers and communities in Warren and Morris counties.
The new 22,517-square-foot facility will be located at 290 E. Washington Avenue in Washington Borough. The groundbreaking event drew local and state officials, including Assemblyman Erik Peterson of Legislative District 23; Louann Cox, mayor of Washington Borough; George Willan, deputy mayor of Washington Township; and Carolyn Gallagher, aide to New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Commissioner Michael Bange — reflecting strong regional support for the project.
“This new operations center is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a reflection of our promise to continue to provide our customers with high-quality service, today and into the future,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “We’re proud to grow in a community where our employees have lived, worked, volunteered, and donated for more than a decade to make Washington stronger.”
Designed by McKernan Architects & Associates, the new facility will house local employees and provide capacity for future growth. Construction is expected to begin in November 2025, with completion projected by December 2026, weather permitting. Work will primarily take place on weekdays during daytime hours.
Beyond infrastructure, New Jersey American Water has established deep community roots in Washington through more than a decade of local involvement. Employees have volunteered regularly to clear trails in Warren County parks and have supported local traditions through the Washington Business Improvement District (BID). The company has also provided grants to volunteer fire departments and donated a retiring Field Service Representative van to aid their operations.
“We’re grateful that New Jersey American Water continues to call Washington Borough home,” said Mayor Louann Cox. “They’ve been a steady, trusted partner to this community for decades, and their decision to grow and invest right here speaks volumes about their dedication to the people of Washington.”
New Jersey American Water has served Washington Borough since 1987. The new operations center reaffirms the company’s long-standing commitment to the community and its mission to “help keep life flowing.” Once completed, the facility will contribute approximately $95,000 annually in property taxes to Washington Borough and continue to deliver high-quality water service to more than 31,000 customers across the region.
