N.J. Stat. § 40:62-141
The owner of any house, tenement, building or lot shall be liable for the payment of the price or rent as fixed by the commission for the use of water by such owner or by the occupier, and for the installation, purchase price, repair and testing of any water meter or water meters, water service, water services, connections, appliances or parts, and renewals thereof furnished or made by the commission, in, upon or connecting with such house, tenement, building or lot and the interest and penalties charged.
The price or rent so fixed, and the other costs, expenses, interest and penalties shall be a lien upon such house, tenement, building or lot until the same shall be paid and satisfied, and shall be enforceable by an action at law in any competent court.
The commission shall notify the officers or board having charge of the collection of taxes in each municipality in which the commission shall supply water to any of the inhabitants of such municipality, that the commission is supplying water to such inhabitants, and requesting said officials or board to notify all persons applying for a certificate showing municipal or other liens against property in such municipality, that the applicant must apply to the commission to ascertain the amount of water rents or other charges due to the commission, which are by law made a lien upon the premises covered by the certificate.
The commission may require payment in advance for the use or rent of water furnished by it and for any work to be done or materials to be furnished.
N.J.S. § 40:62-141