Aqua Pennsylvania Wins Nearly $15.3M In PENNVEST Funding For PFAS Removal, Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade

• Since 2021, PENVEST has awarded Aqua Pennsylvania more than $278M
• Funding is part of Aqua Pennsylvania’s commitment to deliver quality water and wastewater services at affordable customer rates

Aqua Pennsylvania announced it was awarded nearly $15.3M in a combination of principal forgiveness loans and low-interest loans through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The funding will support a complete restoration of Aqua’s Pinecrest Wastewater Treatment Plant in Monroe County, as well as PFAS treatment projects in Chester and Montgomery Counties.

This latest round of PENNVEST funding highlights Aqua’s proactive approach to identify alternative funding sources that help advance infrastructure investments and benefit customers. Since 2021, Aqua Pennsylvania has obtained $278.4M from PENNVEST to complete crucial infrastructure upgrades at a reduced cost to customers.

“Delivering safe, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to our customers remains our top priority,” said Mike Fili, Aqua Pennsylvania Vice President of Capital Planning, Design and Construction. “We actively seek funding opportunities that help ease the financial impact on customers, and we thank PENNVEST for its ongoing support and confidence in the work our employees perform every day.”

Pinecrest Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project
Aqua’s Pinecrest Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tobyhanna Township was originally constructed in 1992. PENNVEST funding totaling $11M will go toward a complete overhaul of the plant to improve operational efficiency and reliability. Planned upgrades include:

• Installation of a new treatment tank
• Construction of new equipment building
• Renovations to existing buildings

The plant serves more than 350 customers in Monroe County. Construction is underway and expected to be completed in late spring 2028.

PFAS Treatment Systems at Well Sites
Aqua obtained nearly $4.3M in PENNVEST funding to support two PFAS treatment installation projects at community well sites in Chester and Montgomery Counties. The PFAS treatment systems will positively impact nearly 725 customers.

Chester County

• Cross Keys and Culbertson Run Wells, East Brandywine Township

Montgomery County

• Turnbury Well, New Hanover Township

Construction at these well facilities is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Aqua Pennsylvania is already in full compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) PFAS drinking water standards. The additional treatment at these sites is needed to comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water standard.

Learn more about Aqua’s dedication to providing high-quality water and wastewater service here (https://www.aquawater.com/about-aqua/states-we-serve/aqua-pennsylvania).

About Aqua Pennsylvania
Aqua Pennsylvania provides water and wastewater service to approximately 1.5 million people in 33 counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information, visit AquaWater.com

About Essential
Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting thousands of acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. For more information, visit www.essential.co.