FAQ
What Is the Difference Between NJ American Water and a Municipal Utility Authority (MUA)?
When it comes to backflow compliance in New Jersey, property owners frequently encounter two different types of water utility: New Jersey American Water and local Municipal Utility Authorities (MUAs). Understanding the difference between them is practically important because each has its own cross-connection control program, its own test report submission requirements, and its own enforcement approach. Submitting your backflow test report to the wrong authority, or in the wrong format, can leave you out of compliance even after completing a passing test.
For context on what happens when you receive a compliance notice from either type of authority, see our comprehensive guide to what to do if you received a backflow compliance letter.
New Jersey American Water: The State's Largest Water Utility
New Jersey American Water (NJAW) is an investor-owned, regulated water utility that is a subsidiary of American Water Works Company — the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States. NJAW serves approximately 2.8 million people in New Jersey across multiple counties, including significant service areas in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, Atlantic, Cape May, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, and Union counties.
As a state-regulated utility, NJAW operates under oversight from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and must comply with all NJDEP requirements including cross-connection control. NJAW has a centralized cross-connection control department that manages compliance tracking for all of its service connections across its New Jersey service area.
Submitting Test Reports to NJ American Water
NJ American Water has a specific test report submission process. Their approved backflow test report form must be used, and completed reports must be submitted to their cross-connection control department through their specified channel (which may include online portal submission, email, or mail depending on your service district). South Jersey Backflow handles NJ American Water submissions for all of our customers served by this utility.
Municipal Utility Authorities (MUAs): Local Independent Water Providers
A Municipal Utility Authority (MUA) is a government entity created under New Jersey’s Municipal and County Utilities Authorities Law to own and operate utility infrastructure — water supply, wastewater treatment, or both — for a specific municipality or region. Unlike NJ American Water, an MUA is a local government body, not a private company.
New Jersey has dozens of active MUAs operating water systems. Some examples include Trenton Water Works, Mount Holly Municipal Utilities Authority, Gloucester County MUA, Burlington City MUA, Glassboro MUA, Millville MUA, and many others. Each MUA operates independently with its own board of directors, budget, rate structure, and cross-connection control program.
Submitting Test Reports to MUAs
Each MUA has its own test report submission process, forms, and requirements. Some accept email submissions; some use online portals; some still prefer paper forms by mail or fax. Deadlines, required form formats, and specific instructions vary by MUA. South Jersey Backflow maintains current submission requirements for every MUA we work with throughout New Jersey and handles all filings on behalf of our customers.
How to Find Out Which Authority Serves Your Property
The answer is on your water bill: the name of the utility sending you a bill for water service is the authority responsible for your cross-connection control compliance. If you’re not sure, call the customer service number on your water bill and ask which authority’s cross-connection control program applies to your service connection. Our guide on how to find your New Jersey water authority provides additional guidance.
South Jersey Backflow Works With All NJ Water Authorities
South Jersey Backflow is familiar with the specific requirements of NJ American Water and every MUA we serve throughout all of New Jersey. When you hire us for your annual backflow certification, you never have to worry about which authority to submit to or what format they require — we handle it all. contact South Jersey Backflow.
Schedule Your Backflow Service Anywhere in New Jersey
South Jersey Backflow has proudly served residential and commercial customers across all of New Jersey since 2004. Our certified technicians provide annual backflow testing and certification, expert repairs and rebuilds, and protective backflow enclosures — all with transparent pricing, complete paperwork handling, and 24/7 emergency availability. Call (856) 291-6809 or contact us online to get started today.