NJDEP receives grant for water conservation The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension, has received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop a model communitybased water conservation education program. The program focus will be to promote a responsible water-use ethic in both the private and public sectors and reduce overall water waste, according to the DEP. Conservation can save water utilities and the state considerable capital expenditures over the long term by delaying or even eliminating the need to develop new or expanded water supply systems and wastewater treatment plants. Reducing water waste is a major component of the state's water supply planning efforts, a press release from the DEP said. As New Jersey's population continues to grow and water sources are further constrained, more must be done to safeguard a sustainable water supply. Promoting the efficient use of water will help meet this goal for generations to come, the agency said in the release. Communities interested in participating in this pilot model water conservation program should contact Katie Barnett at (609) 633-0764 or at Katie.barnett@dep.state.nj.us.