West Montgomery Times

Senator Tracy Pennycuick has announced that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) will provide financial support to communities in Montgomery County. The funding, consisting of grants and low-interest loans, aims to improve drinking water infrastructure by addressing the presence of PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS chemicals.

The Aqua Pennsylvania Superior Main Water Treatment Facility will receive $9,493,000. This includes a grant of $7,842,004 and a loan of $1,650,996. The funds will be used to install carbon filters at three well treatment sites in New Hanover and Douglass Townships to reduce polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Additionally, the project involves replacing well pumps and installing treatment vessels for approximately 5,000 residential customers.

Furthermore, PENNVEST is allocating $1,989,000 for the Aqua Pennsylvania Perkiomen Township project. This funding will facilitate the installation of ion exchange units designed to absorb perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) from existing wells.

Senator Pennycuick stated: “Ensuring clean, healthy drinking water is essential. Funding for these critical infrastructure improvements will help improve water quality for residents throughout the region,” adding that “these projects ensure utility rates do not increase substantially to address this important public health issue.”