BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — Aqua Pennsylvania has announced the completion of a cutting-edge PFAS treatment process at the Edgley Water Treatment Facility located in Bristol Township, a move that marks a new era in the company’s efforts to eliminate “forever chemicals” from water.
Tenth Facility Meets Federal Guidelines
“This latest installation marks the tenth PFAS treatment system that Aqua Pennsylvania has put into service since 2018,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Mark Cannon. “Each of these treatment systems meets the latest national drinking water standard for PFAS,” Cannon said.
The Edgely facility serves about 11,000 customers within the area of Bristol Township and Bristol Borough, removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the water supply using six filters with ion exchange resin technology.
Key Financial Assistance from PENNVEST
This project received funding support from a principal forgiveness loan amounting to $5.7 million provided by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, commonly known as PENNVEST. This made it possible for Aqua Pennsylvania to undertake the project without having to pay a cent.
“This project is another demonstration of our continued focus on our customers,” stated Marc Lucca, President of Aqua Pennsylvania. “We’re not only bringing them safe and dependable drinking water, but we’re doing it through alternative financing so that our customers will not bear the cost of the construction necessary to remove the PFAS.”
Attending State and Federal Requirements
Having completed the Edgely Treatment System in December of 2024, Aqua Pennsylvania ensured full compliance with the drinking water quality standard set by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP). The company is poised to meet federal standards in the state.
During the past four years, Aqua Pennsylvania has been able to secure loans amounting to $191 million in loans with PENNVEST, along with principal forgiveness loans, with over $91 million earmarked for PFAS treatment projects.
Ensuring Uninterrupted Service
The Edgely Plant processes water sourced from nine groundwater wells in Bristol Township and Bristol Borough. In order to maintain its services to customers during the construction phase of the project, Aqua Pennsylvania diverted its drinking water sources from other local sources such as its Bristol Water Treatment Plant. The latter sources water from the Delaware River.
Building Strong Partnerships and Future Commitment
The Pennsylvania government officials participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by Aqua Pennsylvania, signifying the significance of removing PFAS contaminants from Pennsylvania’s drinking water.
“The Edgely Water Treatment Facility is a triumph of partnerships in tackling ‘forever chemicals,’ ensuring access to safe drinking water, and protecting consumers from unnecessary costs,” said Commissioner Kathryn Zerfuss of the Public Utility Commission of Pennsylvania.
Rebecca Hayden, project specialist at PENNVEST: “Aqua Pennsylvania has been proactive about adding PFAS treatment capabilities on its public water supply systems. Certainly, the Edgely project demonstrates the power of collaboration for good.”
President Lucca continued, “Today is the result of many years of very hard work by the very clever people in the staff of professionals at Aqua. But our work is certainly not over. We will, of course, continue to lead the way in the PFAS reduction in the state of Pennsylvania.”
