NJ AMERICAN WATER INVESTS IN CLEAN SAFE DRINKING WATER

New Jersey American Water recently closed on two loans with the NJ Water Bank totaling $33.3 million to address PFAS contamination in the water supply and to complete critical improvements at the Woodlane Water Treatment Plant.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals commonly found in products such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. Because they persist in the environment, PFAS can accumulate in soil and water, posing risks to human health.

The first loan, totaling $14.7 million, will finance the installation of a Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment system. This system uses large tanks filled with ion exchange resin, a material that attracts and removes PFAS and similar contaminants as water passes through.

The second loan, totaling $18.6 million, supports major upgrades to the aging Woodlane Station treatment facilities, originally built in the 1950s. Inspections revealed that the filters have deteriorated significantly, with corrosion and loss of filtration media reducing their effectiveness. Immediate repairs are planned to restore proper filtration and ensure continued high-quality water treatment.