Aqua Pennsylvania Secures $35 Million PENNVEST Funding for PFAS Treatment at Ridley Water Plant
Aqua Pennsylvania has announced that it has been awarded a combination of principal forgiveness loans and low-interest loans totaling $35 million through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). This funding will be directed toward the construction of a state-of-the-art PFAS treatment system at Aqua’s Ridley Water Treatment Plant in Delaware County, ensuring continued compliance with federal drinking water regulations. The initiative is part of Aqua Pennsylvania’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, high-quality drinking water to its customers.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been a growing concern in water quality management across the United States. These chemicals are resistant to natural degradation and have been linked to potential adverse health effects. Aqua Pennsylvania has already been proactive in addressing these contaminants, maintaining full compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) PFAS drinking water standards.
“Aqua Pennsylvania has taken the lead on addressing and removing ‘forever chemicals’ from drinking water for many years,” said Marc Lucca, President of Aqua Pennsylvania. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure that the water delivered to our customers meets the highest standards of safety and quality. Through diligent collaboration with PENNVEST, we have been able to secure funding opportunities that allow us to cost-effectively implement critical water infrastructure projects. Since 2021, PENNVEST has awarded Aqua Pennsylvania more than $190 million, and we are proud that a significant portion of these funds supports PFAS treatment efforts.”
The Ridley Water Treatment Plant serves more than 15,700 customers in Media and the surrounding areas of Delaware County. The upcoming PFAS treatment system will involve the installation of fourteen granular-activated carbon (GAC) pressure filters. These filters are specifically designed to remove PFAS compounds from drinking water, significantly reducing the presence of these chemicals in the community’s water supply. Construction is slated to begin in March 2026, with the project expected to be completed by early 2028.
State officials have joined Aqua Pennsylvania in emphasizing the critical importance of removing PFAS from drinking water throughout Pennsylvania.
“Everyone deserves access to clean water,” said Pennsylvania State Representative Jennifer O’Mara. “Thanks to this funding, Aqua Pennsylvania will be able to ensure that our community continues to have safe drinking water. I am grateful to PENNVEST for supporting this vital project, which will help protect public health by implementing advanced PFAS treatment systems.”
Over the past four years, Aqua Pennsylvania has actively pursued PENNVEST funding for a range of infrastructure improvement projects. To date, the company has secured $191 million in principal forgiveness and low-interest loans, with more than $91 million allocated specifically for PFAS treatment initiatives. These investments have allowed Aqua Pennsylvania to introduce PFAS treatment systems to multiple water facilities across the state, demonstrating a consistent and proactive approach to water quality management.
The Ridley Water Treatment Plant upgrade represents a major milestone in Aqua Pennsylvania’s broader efforts to address emerging contaminants in drinking water. By incorporating granular-activated carbon technology, the plant will achieve a higher level of contaminant removal while maintaining operational efficiency and reliability. GAC filtration is widely recognized as an effective method for reducing PFAS concentrations in drinking water, making it a critical component of Aqua Pennsylvania’s water quality strategy.
This latest PENNVEST award reflects the state’s commitment to supporting utility companies in their mission to enhance water infrastructure and public health protections. By providing financial assistance through low-interest and principal forgiveness loans, PENNVEST enables utilities like Aqua Pennsylvania to undertake significant water quality improvements without placing undue financial strain on their customers.
Aqua Pennsylvania’s ongoing investment in PFAS treatment projects aligns with its long-term mission to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable water services. The company continues to prioritize water quality initiatives that respond to emerging regulatory standards and public health needs. By leveraging state and federal resources, Aqua Pennsylvania is able to implement advanced treatment technologies more quickly and efficiently, ensuring that communities receive clean, safe water now and for generations to come.
Marc Lucca emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and community engagement throughout the construction and implementation of PFAS treatment systems. “We recognize that access to safe drinking water is fundamental to public health and quality of life,” Lucca said. “Our team is dedicated to keeping the communities we serve informed and involved as we deploy these advanced treatment technologies. The Ridley plant project is another example of our commitment to responsible water stewardship and public safety.”
The Ridley Water Treatment Plant PFAS treatment system will also provide an important model for other water utilities across Pennsylvania and beyond. By demonstrating the effective use of granular-activated carbon filtration to address emerging contaminants, Aqua Pennsylvania is helping to set industry benchmarks for water quality management.
In addition to PFAS treatment, Aqua Pennsylvania continues to pursue infrastructure improvement projects across its service areas, including upgrades to distribution networks, storage facilities, and treatment processes. These projects not only enhance water quality but also increase operational resilience and reliability, ensuring that communities have uninterrupted access to safe drinking water even during periods of high demand or emergency conditions.
With construction expected to begin in March 2026, Aqua Pennsylvania and its partners are preparing to make significant progress on this critical initiative. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028, at which point the Ridley Water Treatment Plant will be fully equipped to provide PFAS-free water to more than 15,700 customers. This achievement marks another step forward in Aqua Pennsylvania’s ongoing mission to deliver safe, sustainable, and high-quality drinking water across the Commonwealth.
