What's Happening?
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, in collaboration with Salem City, has completed a $21.3 million project to install a permanent PFAS treatment system at the Salem Water Treatment Plant. This initiative addresses federal and state
drinking water requirements for PFAS and modernizes critical plant infrastructure. The project was fast-tracked after New Jersey American Water acquired Salem's water and wastewater systems in June 2024, at which point the system was not meeting applicable PFAS regulations. Construction began in Spring 2025, with the new treatment system becoming operational in November of the same year, and the final housing facility completed in Summer 2026. The new system utilizes granular activated carbon technology, featuring six treatment vessels across three trains, capable of treating up to 2 million gallons of water per day. This ensures permanent PFAS treatment for water supplied to Salem City and parts of Quinton, Elsinboro, and Mannington townships.
Why It's Important?
This project is crucial for public health and environmental compliance in the affected New Jersey communities. The completion of the PFAS treatment system ensures that residents receive safe, clean, and reliable drinking water, addressing a significant public health concern related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Assemblyman David Bailey highlighted the importance of residents having confidence in their water supply. For New Jersey American Water, this investment demonstrates its commitment to responsible stewardship and continuous improvement of infrastructure, especially after acquiring the city's water system. The modernization efforts, which include upgrades to source-water wells, treatment controls, monitoring systems, and the replacement of aging equipment, enhance the overall resilience and reliability of the water supply for years to come. This also sets a precedent for how private utility companies can address critical infrastructure needs and regulatory compliance in partnership with municipalities.
What's Next?
New Jersey American Water plans to continue its investment in Salem's water and wastewater infrastructure, with an additional $48 million earmarked over the next five years. This further investment aims to modernize systems and strengthen service reliability beyond the current PFAS treatment project. The company will also continue to monitor and address emerging contaminants, leveraging its nearly two decades of experience in researching and designing treatment systems for groundwater and surface-water sources. The successful completion of this project may serve as a model for other municipalities and water utilities facing similar challenges with PFAS contamination and aging infrastructure, potentially influencing future regulatory approaches and investment strategies across the state and potentially the nation.
Beyond the Headlines
The completion of the PFAS treatment project in Salem City underscores a broader national challenge concerning water quality and infrastructure. PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals,' pose long-term health risks and are a growing concern for communities across the U.S. This project highlights the increasing responsibility of utility companies to not only provide basic services but also to proactively address complex environmental contaminants. The partnership between New Jersey American Water and Salem City exemplifies a model for public-private collaboration in tackling critical infrastructure and public health issues. It also brings to light the significant financial investments required to meet evolving environmental standards and maintain public trust in essential services. The project's success could influence policy discussions around funding mechanisms for water infrastructure improvements and the role of private entities in managing public utilities.
