Faced with a proposed expansion of a research and development campus in Hopewell, New Jersey, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) developed a comprehensive Watershed Management Program to demonstrate corporate commitment to sustainable development principles. The Program is an integrative approach to managing water resources on-campus and downstream. The centerpiece of the Program is a water reuse initiative that will replace up to 500 gallons per day of groundwater and surfacewater with treated effluent from the on-site wastewater treatment plant. This treated water will be reused for non-potable uses, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) make-up water, fire protection water, and toilet flushing water. Currently, water from on-site groundwater extraction wells and diversion of surfacewater from an on-site stormwater detention pond serves these uses.

Using a structured method for gathering information, BMS conducted a rigorous study to assess water uses in the existing facility and proposed future development. They found that internal metering at multiple points is the most helpful assessment tool to determine water use. After evaluating opportunities for wastewater reuse, they developed a conceptual design and began construction in early 2002. Using existing infrastructure in the design controlled capital costs. When the system is operational, the watershed management project will support continued expansion of the Hopewell Campus by addressing community concerns, and providing increased ecosystem benefits to the local stream, wetlands, forest and agricultural habitats.