A New Jersey state senator says that he wants to tax the state’s tap water in order to get enough money to replace the state’s aging water system.

Sen. Bob Smith, of Piscataway, says that some of the water pipes under New Jersey date back to the 1800s. He says that the aging system has led to many water main breaks in towns across the state.

He say that the fees he could collect from tap water could help replace the system and also provide clean tap water for the residents of the state.

“Are you willing to pay less than $3 a month to guarantee you have clean and safe water for your kids and grandkids?” Smith asks.

Smith’s bill is called The Clean Water Trust. Smith says that it would be pay as you go.

“The source of the money is a 10-cent surcharge on every 1,000 gallons of water consumed,” he says. “That 10 cents per 1,000 gallons generates $150 million a year.”

Smith says that the money would to go ensure that new pipes are bringing clean, lead-free water to New Jersey residents.

The plan also involves connecting water companies around the state in order to help each region when there is a drought.

“Have an interconnect between the water supplies so you can move water from areas where there’s a surplus to areas where there is a deficiency,” Smith says.

The senator says that he is hoping that Gov. Phil Murphy will pass his bill since the governor is environmentally friendly.