October 23, 2026

Message from Commissioner Mary Ann Musich

A reliable wastewater system is the unseen foundation of a thriving, healthy community. Without it, public health, local commerce, and environmental safety simply cannot be sustained.

To uphold this foundation, we continuously invest in modernizing aging infrastructure and adopting energy-efficient technology. Every project we approve is carefully evaluated to deliver reliable service today while preparing our system for the demands of tomorrow.

Equally important to our technology and infrastructure are the dedicated men and women who keep WMUA running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. From operators monitoring treatment processes around the clock to field crews executing preventive maintenance, their hard work ensures our service remains continuous and seamless.

As we look ahead, WMUA remains fully committed to operational transparency, fiscal responsibility, and environmental leadership. We are proud to serve as stewards of both our public resources and our local ecosystem, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our region safe, clean, and vibrant.



Thank you for your continued trust as we work to build a cleaner, stronger future for all the communities we serve.

Employee Spotlight: Kristen Dressler

Whether you visit or call the WMUA office in Manalapan, Kristen Dressler is likely one of the first friendly faces or welcoming voices to greet you.

Serving as one of the receptionists, Kristen plays a key role in keeping daily operations running smoothly and ensuring customers receive attentive, dedicated service.

Just four weeks into the job, Kristen manages a wide range of responsibilities, from answering incoming phone inquiries and guiding residents through billing questions to processing daily mail and updating account details for new homeowners. For Kristen, helping visitors in person is one of the most rewarding aspects of her position.

"I like seeing the people coming in and interacting with them," Kristen said. “I enjoy answering phones and helping with billing questions. Sometimes it's easier to help in person because we can show the account and bill right there and explain everything clearly."

Her message to the community is simple: the doors at WMUA are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and customers are always welcome to stop by with any questions.

Before joining WMUA, she worked with Medicaid for the Monmouth County Division of Social Services, where she gained experience navigating complex customer service needs in a fast-paced environment. Transitioning to WMUA has proven to be a welcome and rewarding career move. Coming from a large operation, Kristen appreciates the close-knit, collaborative culture at WMUA.

"It's been really good so far," she said. "Coming from a place with a lot of employees where you can get lost, this feels like a big family. Everyone works together and steps in whenever I have questions. It's a really great environment and a pleasant place to come to every day."

Outside of work, Kristen enjoys nature, especially in autumn. She and her husband are empty nesters with two grown children and love spending their free time spoiling their two dogs, Phineas and Henry.

Celebrating “New Jersey Careers in Utilities Week”

Every day, millions of gallons of water flow through our homes and businesses, kept clean and safe by essential infrastructure working behind the scenes. The WMUA is proud to recognize the dedicated professionals who keep wastewater systems running every day.

From operators and engineers to laboratory technicians, maintenance crews, and environmental professionals, it takes a diverse team of skilled individuals to protect public health and safeguard local waterways. Licensed operators manage the biological processes that purify water around the clock, engineers plan sustainable infrastructure, lab technicians conduct essential quality testing, and field crews keep miles of underground pipes flowing smoothly.

Careers in wastewater offer more than just job stability and great benefits; they give people the opportunity to make a real difference and help protect the environment. As green technologies and environmental standards evolve, the need for dedicated, skilled utility workers continues to grow.

Whether you are an experienced professional, a skilled tradesperson, or starting a new career path, WMUA invites you to explore opportunities to join our team and build a rewarding future. Visit the WMUA Career Page to learn more.

Hands On Forklift Safety Training

Safety is the top priority for every operation at WMUA.

Hands-on equipment training sessions occur throughout the year, ensuring employees have the skills to work safely and protect everyone on the job.

Forklift training puts safety into practice. Before starting the engine every time, operators complete a thorough inspection checklist, put on hard hats, and buckle up securely.

During training, operators commonly navigate a driving course with loaded pallets, traveling forward and in reverse through a series of cones. This practice helps staff safely maneuver heavy materials in tight spaces across WMUA facilities, keeping workers, equipment, and the surrounding community safe.



“The most valuable result of safety training is better judgment—knowing when to pause, ask a question or tell a coworker something doesn’t look right,” said Brian Valentino, CEO & executive director, WMUA. “We want everyone to feel confident speaking up, even when the job is familiar and the day is busy.”

The Hidden Workhorses: How Pumping Stations Keep Water Moving

When residents drain the tub or flush the toilet, gravity carries wastewater down into sewer lines beneath the street. However, because the topography of Monmouth County includes natural hills and valleys, gravity can only move water so far before the pipes sit too deep underground. To overcome these natural elevation changes, wastewater systems rely on pumping stations.

These stations serve as vital mechanical links within the regional wastewater network. They collect incoming flows in underground wells and use heavy-duty pumps to lift the water and push it forward through pressurized pipes. Once the wastewater reaches a higher elevation, gravity resumes its job and directs the flow safely toward the treatment plant.

To maintain seamless service, each station features automated monitoring sensors, rigorous maintenance schedules, and emergency backup power generators to ensure continuous operation during severe weather or power outages. Through ongoing investment in these essential facilities, the WMUA ensures the safe and reliable transport of millions of gallons of wastewater daily to protect public health and the local environment.

WMUA Fun Fact

The WMUA maintains more than 250 miles of underground sewer pipe to safely treat wastewater for more than 67,000 residents across Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold Township, and Englishtown every single day.