Aqua Pennsylvania Awarded Nearly $29 Million in Funding to Remove PFAS from Drinking Water Across Commonwealth
Funding is part of Aqua Pennsylvania’s commitment to remove “forever chemicals” to meet new federal drinking water standards; reduces associated costs for customers
Aqua Pennsylvania announced today it was awarded a combination of grant and low-interest loan funding through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to support its continuing commitment to remove PFAS from drinking water. The funding, totaling as much as $28.9 million, will support 6 projects to install PFAS treatment systems at 15 community well sites in Chester, Montgomery, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. The PENNVEST process requires well-planned projects, including securing a PA Department of Environmental Protection permit and other documents as a condition of approval. PENNVEST funds allow recipients like Aqua Pennsylvania to complete installation of PFAS treatment at a reduced cost 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 Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. “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.”
In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS chemicals in drinking water. Funding awarded by PENNVEST will move Aqua Pennsylvania closer to meeting the federal guidelines to have treatment in place by 2028, within the required timeline.
“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.”
The PFAS treatment facilities will positively impact nearly 12,000 customers in the following communities:
CHESTER COUNTY
- Upper Uwchlan Township and West Whiteland Township
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
- Douglass Township, New Hanover Township and Perkiomen Township
LACKAWANNA COUNTY
- Jefferson Township
LUZERNE COUNTY
- Dallas Township and Penn Lake Borough
Construction on these facilities is expected to be completed in late 2025.
Aqua Pennsylvania will continue to seek these funding opportunities as part of our dedication to outstanding service and affordability.