Aqua New Jersey Recognized for Hamilton Well 13 PFAS Mitigation Project with State Construction Award
Aqua New Jersey has been recognized for its leadership in improving drinking water quality after receiving New Jersey’s Leading Capital Construction Projects Award for its Hamilton Well 13 PFAS mitigation initiative. The prestigious award, presented by the New Jersey Alliance for Action, celebrates outstanding infrastructure and construction projects that demonstrate innovation, deliver long-term benefits to communities, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
The Hamilton Well 13 project represents a significant milestone in Aqua New Jersey’s efforts to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and resistance to natural degradation. By implementing advanced treatment technology at the well site, Aqua New Jersey has strengthened its ability to deliver safe, high-quality drinking water to residents across Hamilton Township in Mercer County.
Completed in January 2026, the $2.6 million project involved the installation of an ion exchange treatment system designed specifically to remove PFAS compounds from groundwater before it enters the local drinking water supply. The facility now serves more than 12,700 customers in Hamilton Township, ensuring that water delivered to homes and businesses meets the latest national drinking water standards for PFAS established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Ion exchange technology works by passing water through specialized resin materials that attract and bind PFAS molecules. As water flows through the system, the resins capture and remove contaminants, allowing clean water to continue through the distribution network. This technology has become one of the most effective and widely used solutions for PFAS removal in municipal water systems, offering both reliability and efficiency.
According to Aqua New Jersey leadership, the successful completion of the Hamilton Well 13 treatment system was made possible through close collaboration among engineers, construction teams, local officials, and water treatment specialists. The project demonstrates the company’s commitment to working proactively to address emerging water quality challenges while maintaining dependable service for customers.
“The Hamilton Well 13 treatment system is an example of what tremendous teamwork can achieve,” said Aqua New Jersey President Natalie Chesko. “Aqua’s dedicated staff worked in collaboration with our partners to design, construct, and execute this vitally important project. Our teams are working tirelessly to address PFAS and safeguard drinking water for our customers. We appreciate the New Jersey Alliance for Action for recognizing the hard work that went into this project and its importance to the community.”
The New Jersey Alliance for Action, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting infrastructure development and economic progress across the state, presents its Leading Capital Construction Projects Award annually to recognize projects that showcase excellence in planning, engineering, and construction. The award also highlights initiatives that provide tangible benefits to communities and help strengthen critical infrastructure systems.
Jerry Keenan, President of the New Jersey Alliance for Action, praised Aqua New Jersey’s leadership and commitment to public health.
“New Jersey’s water utilities are stepping up when it comes to the challenges of addressing PFAS in our water supply,” Keenan said. “The Alliance for Action is pleased to honor Aqua New Jersey for its leadership with its latest project: Hamilton Well 13. This project received the New Jersey Leading Capital Construction Projects Award because of the critical need it addresses and the advanced technology it employs. We congratulate Aqua New Jersey President Natalie Chesko and her entire team for their efforts.”
PFAS contamination has become a growing concern across the United States as research has revealed potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to these chemicals. Historically used in industrial processes and consumer products such as nonstick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams, PFAS compounds can accumulate in soil and groundwater over time. Because they break down very slowly, they can remain in the environment for decades if not treated properly.
Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue early, Aqua began testing for PFAS compounds in 2016—years before federal regulations were finalized. The company has since adopted a proactive strategy that includes regular water monitoring, transparent communication with customers, and the installation of advanced treatment systems where needed.
This forward-looking approach has positioned Aqua New Jersey as one of the regional leaders in PFAS mitigation. By investing in treatment infrastructure ahead of regulatory deadlines, the company has been able to prepare its water systems for compliance with the EPA’s newly established national PFAS drinking water standards.
Beyond Hamilton Well 13, Aqua New Jersey has implemented several additional PFAS treatment projects across its service territory. These installations demonstrate the company’s broader commitment to safeguarding drinking water quality for communities throughout the state.
In Hunterdon County, Aqua New Jersey recently installed a PFAS treatment system at the Bunnvale Windswept Treatment Plant in Lebanon Township. The project serves nearly 100 customers and required an investment of approximately $200,000. The facility now provides enhanced water treatment capabilities that help ensure compliance with PFAS regulations while delivering reliable service to local residents.
Several projects have also been completed in Sussex County, where Aqua New Jersey operates multiple water systems. At the Summit Lake Treatment Plant in Hardyston Township, the company implemented a new PFAS treatment solution serving around 70 customers. To support the project, Aqua New Jersey secured $2 million in a principal forgiveness loan through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank), a program designed to finance essential water infrastructure improvements while reducing financial burdens on utilities and communities.
Another key initiative in Sussex County involved the Byram Well 2 Treatment Plant in Byram Township. The installation of PFAS treatment technology at this facility required an investment of approximately $620,000 and now serves more than 150 customers. By integrating advanced filtration systems at the well site, Aqua New Jersey has strengthened water quality protection in the region.
In nearby Vernon Township, the company also completed improvements at the Vernon Upper Well House Treatment Plant. The project serves more than 200 customers and involved an investment of roughly $615,000. With the addition of PFAS treatment capabilities, the well house can effectively remove contaminants while continuing to provide consistent water service.
Warren County has also benefited from Aqua New Jersey’s PFAS mitigation efforts. At the Brainards Treatment Plant in Harmony Township, the company installed a treatment system designed to protect the drinking water supply for more than 50 customers. The project cost approximately $434,000 and forms part of Aqua’s broader plan to upgrade water treatment infrastructure throughout its service area.
These projects collectively demonstrate the scale of Aqua New Jersey’s commitment to improving water quality and addressing emerging environmental challenges. By investing in advanced treatment systems and infrastructure upgrades, the company is working to ensure that communities across New Jersey continue to receive safe, reliable drinking water.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Aqua New Jersey emphasizes transparency and community engagement in its approach to PFAS mitigation. The company regularly communicates with customers about water quality testing results and treatment initiatives, helping residents stay informed about efforts to protect their drinking water supply.
As regulatory standards evolve and scientific understanding of PFAS continues to expand, water utilities across the country are expected to invest heavily in new treatment technologies. Aqua New Jersey’s recent projects highlight how utilities can respond proactively by implementing solutions that address both current regulations and future water quality challenges.
The recognition of the Hamilton Well 13 project by the New Jersey Alliance for Action underscores the importance of forward-thinking infrastructure investments. Through collaboration, innovation, and continued investment in advanced treatment systems, Aqua New Jersey is helping strengthen the state’s water infrastructure while protecting the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
With the successful completion of Hamilton Well 13 and other PFAS mitigation projects, Aqua New Jersey continues to build a resilient water system capable of meeting modern environmental standards and ensuring safe drinking water for thousands of customers across the state.
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