Building better communities.

We bring a legacy of excellence to all our services. Explore our three generations of commitment to quality construction and exceeding expectations.

WHY CHOOSE US

Your Emergency Response Partner:
Waters & Bugbee

When disaster strikes, or the unexpected disrupts your services, you need a partner you can trust. Waters & Bugbee’s emergency service, urgent call construction, and utility repair teams are on standby 24/7, ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice. We understand the urgency – infrastructure failures affect homes, businesses and entire communities.

Our seasoned crews bring decades of experience in troubleshooting and rapidly restoring gas, water and electrical systems. We prioritize safety protocols while implementing efficient repair solutions that minimize downtime and ensure the well-being of your community.

Waters & Bugbee’s commitment doesn’t end with emergency response. We’re equipped to handle the full spectrum of repair needs, from immediate fixes to long-term infrastructure upgrades. Our goal is to not only restore service but to build greater resilience into your systems.

Choose Waters & Bugbee for:

Rapid Deployment: Crews on standby, minimizing response times.
Skilled Technicians: Expertise across gas, water and electrical systems.
Proven Safety Record: Protecting our people and your community.
Long-Term Solutions: Proactive repairs and upgrades for lasting integrity.

Don’t let infrastructure emergencies cripple your operations or community. Partner with Waters & Bugbee – your trusted source for fast, reliable and safe utility restoration.

company history

From bridges to utility infrastructure and EV chargers: a company on the move

Waters & Bugbee traces its roots to the early 20th century, when our founder, Albert Bugbee, started building bridges for roads and highways in and around Trenton, New Jersey. Mercer County was booming at the time, with industries as diverse as iron and pottery bringing scores of workers – and the need for infrastructure – to the region.

So our current slogan, “Installing tomorrow’s infrastructure today,” aligns perfectly with those earliest days and Albert Bugbee’s vision.

That vision included taking his humble construction company, based in Trenton, and continuing to grow the business. By the 1950s, Bugbee began collaborating on equipment rentals and service work with an area service station owner named Norman E. Waters.

In 1964, the two formed a partnership, incorporating the Waters & Bugbee Co. That was the beginning of the company we proudly have today.

1970

A focus on utility contracts

Upon the passing of Norman E. Waters, and later the retirement of Albert Bugbee, ownership of the company was turned over to Norman’s son, Donald R. Waters Sr.

Donald Sr. grew the company by constructing underground infrastructure for new housing developments. This included installation of electric, telecommunications and gas facilities. The company’s focus on utility contract work provided a strong base for the firm’s ongoing success as it has added maintenance, general construction and streetscaping to its portfolio of services.

2003

The next generation

When Donald Sr. died in 2003, ownership of the firm was passed to his three sons: Jeffrey (President), Donald Jr. (Vice President, Operations) and Charles (Executive Vice President). Other key executives include Dennis F. Brophy (Vice President) and Steven Minshall (Vice President, Business Development).

The family moved our Trenton headquarters to a modern building in Hamilton, complete with a garage, maintenance yard and training center. The relocation opened doors to new opportunities for the company and our employees.

2018

A move to solar & EV chargers

Waters & Bugbee remains “a contractor of choice for utility companies,” as Jeff Waters says. So it was no surprise that the company would move into the renewable energy industry to complement its work in the electric, water and natural gas industries.

That spirit of innovation and change remains at the heart of the company’s longevity. Specialized services that separate Waters & Bugbee from its competition include Strong-Seal manhole rehabilitation and Flexi-Pave porous pavement.

In recent years the company has become more involved with solar and electric vehicle charging station installations. The company’s strongest sustainability initiative surrounds the installation of electric vehicle chargers.

2023

Laser-focused on employees & customers

The most important factor in Waters & Bugbee’s continued success is the company’s commitment to its employees and customers. Some employees have followed in the footsteps of family members, while others are paving their own way. We value each and every one of them.

That’s why safety has been a focus throughout the company’s history. All employees undergo continuous training by in-house safety staff as well as yearly certifications on specific construction tasks.

As our company continues to grow and evolve, however, some things have remained very much the same.

“Throughout the generations, there’s always been the vision, the philosophy, that superior service ensures customer satisfaction,” says Charles Waters. “We still live by that mantra today, and everyone who works here believes in it.”

Why Choose Us

At Waters & Bugbee, we understand customers have a choice. That’s why we are committed to exceeding expectations on each and every job. How do we do it?

We have built a legacy of excellence over 60 years of installing and maintaining the infrastructure that powers our society and economy.
We have an experienced leadership team that works with clients from project design to completion, ensuring the highest levels of quality and coordination.
We are a trusted partner for many of the largest and most influential utility companies, municipalities and private developers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
We have an industry-leading training and safety program that protects our employees, clients and the public.
We use highly skilled union labor from end to end when any work is outsourced.
We are a family-owned and -operated business that values integrity, honesty and respect.
We are a leader in innovation and technology, using the latest equipment and methods to optimize efficiency and performance.
We are a socially responsible company that supports various community and charitable causes.
We are working to create a sustainable, clean energy future for generations to come.

Our trusted partnerships power the Mid-Atlantic region

Waters & Bugbee is proud to be trusted partners with the companies that keep our region running smoothly. Our extensive client list includes some of the most influential utility companies, municipalities and private developers in the Mid-Atlantic. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for our communities. Explore our valued partnerships below and discover the difference that trust makes.