NJ AMERICAN WATER WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP MAIN EXTENSION

NJ American Water recently closed on an $8.2 million loan with the New Jersey Water Bank to extend water mains within its Washington Township Water System. The project responds to recent testing that found several residential wells contaminated with PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA, types of PFAS, or "forever chemicals."

PFAS are man-made chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Long-term exposure has been linked to serious health risks, including cancer, immune system impacts, and developmental issues. Connecting affected homes to a regulated public water system provides a reliable, safe alternative to contaminated private wells.

At the township's request, NJ American Water will extend service to these homes through the construction of approximately 21,400 linear feet of ductile iron water mains, along with new valves, fire hydrants, blow-off assemblies, and roughly 140 water service lines. The project will serve existing residential properties and several small businesses.

These improvements will increase system capacity during peak flows, reduce the risk of overflows and environmental harm, and improve long-term operational efficiency, while delivering safer drinking water to residents affected by PFAS contamination.