BRYN MAWR, PA — Aqua Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG), has completed a new PFAS treatment system at its Edgely Water Treatment Facility in Bristol Township, marking the tenth PFAS treatment facility the utility has placed into operation since 2018 as it moves to comply with new national drinking water standards.
The Edgely system uses six filters with ion exchange resin to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” from groundwater serving nearly 11,000 customers in Bristol Township and Bristol Borough. The facility treats water from nine local groundwater wells.
Construction of the system was funded through a $5.7 million principal forgiveness loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, allowing the project to be completed at no direct cost to Aqua customers.
“This project further highlights our commitment to our customers. Not only are we providing them with safe, reliable drinking water but we’re doing so by seeking alternative funding to ensure customers are not burdened with the cost of construction for PFAS removal,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca.
Aqua said customer service was not interrupted during construction. Drinking water was temporarily diverted from other local sources, including the Bristol Water Treatment Plant, which draws from the Delaware River.
“Today is a culmination of years of hard work by the talented staff of professionals at Aqua. But our work does not end here. We will continue to lead the way in PFAS mitigation across Pennsylvania,” Lucca said.
State and regulatory officials joined the company to highlight the project’s public health and affordability implications.
“The Edgely Water Treatment Facility shows what strong partnerships can achieve: removing ‘forever chemicals,’ delivering safe drinking water, and protecting consumers from unnecessary costs,” said Kathryn Zerfuss, a commissioner with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. “It’s a clear example of how public health and affordability can move forward together.”
“The fact that Aqua is stepping up and being proactive in dealing with this is critically important, and I’m very grateful for that,” said State Senator Steve Santarsiero. “On behalf of all the residents here who will benefit from knowing that when they do turn on that tap the water they are drinking is safe to drink.”
“At DEP, our mission is to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land and water resources and to provide for the health and safety of the Commonwealth residents and visitors,” said John Ryder, deputy secretary of field operations at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “We are happy to highlight companies that also want to protect their customers. I want to thank Aqua for being a good partner that makes investments in clean water.”
Aqua Pennsylvania said it became fully compliant with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection drinking water standards in December 2024 and, with the Edgely system now operational, is advancing toward meeting the federal PFAS standard statewide.
Over the past four years, the company has secured $191 million in PENNVEST loans and principal forgiveness funding for infrastructure projects, including more than $91 million dedicated to PFAS treatment. PENNVEST Project Specialist Rebecca Hayden said the Edgely facility reflects the impact of coordinated public-private investment.
“The Edgely project is a testament to what strong partnerships can achieve,” Hayden said. “Aqua Pennsylvania has been proactive in installing PFAS treatment on its public water supply systems. And PENNVEST is proud to provide financial support to help bring it to life.”
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