Water, Sewer Authorities Raise Rates Despite Cash Reserves.  New Jersey's 126 public water and sewerage authorities continue to raise rates despite having some $565 million in reserves, according to a report by Gannett New Jersey. The report claims the authorities have become "havens for political patronage, nepotism, no-bid contracts, pension boosting and even criminal activities," and "offer some of the highest salaries in the state." As an example, the report cites the Passaic Valley Sewerage Authority, whose executive director earns more than $218,000 - $43,000 more than the governor.