BRYN MAWR, PA — Aqua Pennsylvania has secured a combination of grant and low-interest loan funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to continue its efforts to remove PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” from drinking water. The funding, amounting to $28.9 million, will fund six projects to install PFAS treatment systems at 15 community well sites across Chester, Montgomery, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties.
The PENNVEST funding process necessitates detailed project planning, including securing permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines. These funds enable Aqua Pennsylvania to complete the required installations while minimizing costs passed on to customers.
“Aqua Pennsylvania is committed to working within the PENNVEST guidelines to pursue and secure funding opportunities that will cost-effectively deliver the highest quality drinking water for our customers,” said Marc Lucca, President of Aqua Pennsylvania. “I want to thank PENNVEST for their continued support and consideration of our projects as the funds received will help us affordably meet these state and federal regulatory requirements.”
The initiative aligns with new federal guidelines announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in April 2024, which set maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS chemicals in drinking water. The treatment facilities funded by PENNVEST will help Aqua Pennsylvania meet federal standards by the 2028 compliance deadline.
“We have been at the forefront of addressing and removing ‘forever chemicals’ from drinking water for several years,” said Lucca. “We are proud to say again that we have reached full compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection PFAS drinking water standards and we remain focused on reaching the federal standards as well.”
Nearly 12,000 customers across multiple communities will benefit from these treatment systems, including:
- Chester County: Upper Uwchlan Township, West Whiteland Township
- Montgomery County: Douglass Township, New Hanover Township, Perkiomen Township
- Lackawanna County: Jefferson Township
- Luzerne County: Dallas Township, Penn Lake Borough
Construction for these PFAS treatment facilities is scheduled for completion by late 2025, marking a significant step in improving water quality and safeguarding public health for impacted communities.
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