Investment helps remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to improve drinking water quality

Aqua New Jersey leadership joined elected officials and community leaders to cut the ribbon on its newest PFAS treatment facility in Lawrence Township Tuesday. The celebration comes less than one week after the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated its maximum contaminant level (MCL) of PFAS in drinking water and emphasizes Aqua’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and reliable drinking water to its customers.

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Aqua New Jersey President Natalie Chesko and other company leaders are joined by Lawrence Township Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer and representatives from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to cut the ribbon on a new PFAS treatment facility in Lawrence Township.(Photo: Business Wire)

“Long before the EPA’s announcement last week, Aqua took a leadership role in addressing PFAS,” said Aqua New Jersey President Natalie Chesko. “This well has been offline for nearly 18 months as we’ve worked to ensure the most effective solution in the absence of consistent regulations. With the EPA rule now in effect, we’re well-prepared to continue leading the way in testing and removal. This facility exemplifies Aqua’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and testing across our entire service area. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication to safeguarding water security for all our communities.”

The facility, which will be fully operational on May 1, will provide an extra layer of filtration to approximately 8,000 people in Lawrence Township through ion exchange treatment, which removes PFAS contamination from drinking water to levels compliant with the new EPA regulations.

On April 10, the EPA announced its final maximum contaminant level for PFAS “forever chemicals.” PFAS refers to a group of toxic chemicals used for a wide range of items, from non-stick cookware to upholstery manufacturing to firefighter training. In some areas, these chemicals have been sprayed on the ground or dumped by manufacturers and are now being found in watersheds and groundwater wells.

“We're grateful for Aqua's unwavering commitment to the safety and reliability of our drinking water, not just here in Lawrence Township, but across the state,” said Lawrence Township Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer. "Our residents have peace of mind knowing their water is filtered for PFAS thanks to Aqua's proactive planning and swift action.”

Aqua has been a leader in PFAS remediation through transparent communication and proactive treatment planning. Recognizing the severity of the problem, Aqua immediately began testing for and addressing PFAS more than seven years ago. In the absence of federal guidelines, the company set its own PFAS standard in 2020 and is progressing with plans to comply with the new EPA ruling across its service territory.

About Aqua New Jersey

Aqua New Jersey serves approximately 185,000 people in 11 counties throughout the Garden State. Visit AquaWater.com for more information or follow @MyAquaWater on Facebook and Twitter (X).

WTRGG

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