The water reservoir in Pennsylvania is a key site for improving water quality through recent funding initiatives.
Aqua Pennsylvania has been awarded $17.3 million by PENNVEST to enhance drinking water quality in several communities. This funding will address PFAS contamination and replace lead service lines, benefiting over 5,800 customers. The project aligns with EPA regulations and reflects Aqua Pennsylvania’s commitment to providing safe drinking water while upgrading infrastructure.
Aqua Pennsylvania has been awarded $17.3 million in funding by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to enhance drinking water quality across various communities. The funding, a combination of grants and low-interest loans, is specifically allocated to combat PFAS contamination and to facilitate the replacement of lead service lines.
Over $15 million of the funding will be directed towards PFAS treatment systems at community well sites located in Bucks, Chester, and Luzerne Counties. This initiative is expected to benefit more than 5,800 customers from several communities, including New Britain Borough, East Marlborough Township, Franklin Township, West Brandywine Township, West Whiteland Township, and White Haven Borough. Construction of the PFAS treatment facilities is anticipated to be completed by the summer or fall of 2026.
In addition to the PFAS treatment projects, the plan includes $2.3 million for replacing over 200 lead and galvanized service lines in Bristol Borough, Bucks County. The replacement initiative is scheduled to commence in June 2025 and is estimated to be completed in early 2026. Customers will not incur any direct costs for the lead service line replacements, which will also come with warranties on the work performed.
The funding initiatives align with the regulations set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding PFAS chemicals, with a compliance deadline established for 2029. Aqua Pennsylvania is committed to meeting these standards ahead of schedule, emphasizing its dedication to providing safe and reliable drinking water.
Aqua Pennsylvania serves approximately 1.5 million people across 32 counties throughout the state. The company is part of Essential Utilities, Inc., an organization focused on sustainable water and natural gas delivery across nine states, reaching nearly 5.5 million people overall. Aqua Pennsylvania aims to reduce customer costs while simultaneously upgrading water safety and infrastructure, ensuring that all communities have access to clean drinking water.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industries for decades. These substances are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time, leading to potential health risks. Recent regulatory measures and increasing public awareness have driven utilities to invest in treatment technologies to mitigate PFAS contamination in drinking water sources.
Lead service lines pose another significant risk to public health, as lead exposure can lead to severe developmental issues, particularly in children. The replacement of lead and galvanized service lines is a critical step toward ensuring that drinking water remains safe for consumption. By investing in this infrastructure, Aqua Pennsylvania is taking proactive measures to improve water quality and contribute to the overall health of the communities it serves.
Through these initiatives, Aqua Pennsylvania is not only averting potential risks associated with PFAS and lead contamination but also reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality drinking water to residents in Pennsylvania.
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