New Jersey Legislature

“ No water shall be pumped from the south branch of the Raritan river into the Round Valley reservoir whenever the flow in said river is less than 40 million gallons daily at the United States Geological Survey stream gauging station at Stanton, or less than 70 million gallons daily at the United States Geological Survey stream gauging station at Manville or less than 90 million gallons daily at the United States Geological Survey stream gauging station at Bound Brook, nor shall water be pumped from said river into such reservoir during the period from June 15 to September 15 in any year. ”

“ There is an immediate need for a new major supply of water to meet the present acute water requirements in the northeastern metropolitan counties and in the Raritan Valley, areas which directly and indirectly affect the commerce and prosperity of the entire State. ”

“ Continue to research, plan and design ways and means of improving stream flows in any other area or areas, whether by river regulation reservoirs, pumping, flow diversion, water reuse, or other means, or any combination thereof, deemed practicable to meet the needs of the area or areas ”

“ The council may grant or deny any application made pursuant to this section, and at its discretion, dispense with public hearing when the quantity of water applied for is less than 1/2 million gallons a day. In granting or denying any such application, the council shall be governed by the principles and procedures established and recognized by common law applicable to the diversion and use of water in this State, or as set forth in Title 58 of the Revised Statutes and to which Title this act is a supplement. ”

“ The department may enter into and perform any and all agreements with respect to property so accepted by it, including agreements for relocation of any public highway or for the assumption of principal or interest or both of indebtedness of such county, municipality, political subdivision, agency, or body, or person or of any mortgage or lien existing with respect to such property or for the operation and maintenance of such property or part of a water supply facility. ”

“ The department shall determine and establish, after public hearing just, reasonable and equitable rates and charges for water sold from any project authorized by this act which shall provide net revenues sufficient to meet annual payments of principal and interest chargeable to such project and incurred by the State under the Water Bond Act, 1958. Such rates shall not be subject to revision or other action by any other department, commission, board or body. ”

“ The reservoirs constructed pursuant to this act shall be available for public use for recreation, swimming, fishing and boating in such manner and to such extent as shall not impair the availability of the water therein for potable or industrial use or endanger the water supply facility or any of the works or facilities of any purchaser of such water. ”