NJ A4793

Authorizes the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to order independent "reformation assessments" of water and wastewater systems when emergent conditions exist, such as aging infrastructure, regulatory violations, or lack of financial/technical capacity

Defines reformation assessment as an independent evaluation analyzing system condition, performance, and administration while identifying alternative pathways for governance reform including consolidation, sale, long-term lease, or public-private partnerships

Requires DEP to complete assessments within 12 months of notifying the system owner, with the owner required to cooperate by facilitating interviews, allowing asset inspections, and providing access to all records and data

Mandates system owners respond within 120 days of receiving the assessment report by proposing a reformation plan and holding a public hearing with 30 days advance notice

Amends P.L.2015, c.18 (the Water Infrastructure Protection Act) to expand options beyond privatization, adding reformation as an alternative to sale or long-term lease of public water/wastewater assets