Funding is part of Aqua Pennsylvania’s commitment to remove “forever chemicals” to meet new federal drinking water standards; reduces associated costs for customers
Since 2021, Aqua Pennsylvania awarded more than $190 million in PENNVEST funding
Aqua Pennsylvania announced it was awarded a combination of principal forgiveness loans and low-interest loans through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funding, totaling $35 million, will fund construction of a new PFAS treatment system at Aqua’s Ridley Water Treatment Plant which will meet federal regulatory requirements for drinking water. Aqua Pennsylvania is already in full compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) PFAS drinking water standards.
“Aqua Pennsylvania has taken the lead on addressing and removing ‘forever chemicals’ from drinking water for many years,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. “We also work diligently within the PENNVEST guidelines to receive funding opportunities which allow us to cost-effectively deliver high-quality drinking water. I am proud to share that PENNVEST has awarded us more than $190 million since 2021.”
The Ridley plant serves more than 15,700 customers in Media, Delaware County. Aqua Pennsylvania will install the new treatment, which involves the usage of fourteen (14) granular-activated carbon (GAC) pressure filters designed to remove PFAS compounds from drinking water. Construction is set to begin in March 2026 and is expected to be completed in early 2028.
State officials join Aqua Pennsylvania in highlighting the importance of removing PFAS from drinking water in the Commonwealth.
“Everyone deserves access to clean water,” said Pennsylvania State Representative Jennifer O’Mara. “Thanks to these funds, Aqua will be able to ensure that our community’s drinking water continues to be safe to drink. I’m grateful to PENNVEST for awarding these funds so Aqua can implement PFAS treatment to keep our water clean.”
In the last 4 years, Aqua Pennsylvania has worked diligently to obtain $191 million in PENNVEST loans and principal forgiveness loans for infrastructure improvement projects. More than $91 million in funding has been awarded for PFAS treatment projects. This support has helped Aqua Pennsylvania to add PFAS treatment to facilities across the state.