Pennsylvania’s early push on “forever chemicals

Aqua Pennsylvania has secured nearly $28.9mn in state funding to speed up the removal of toxic PFAS chemicals from drinking water supplies, aiming to meet new federal standards well before the required deadline.

The financing, provided by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (Pennvest), will allow the utility to install advanced treatment systems at 15 well sites in four counties. Aqua Pennsylvania said the investment would help it comply with tougher drinking water regulations set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which come into force in 2028.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have emerged as a key public health concern due to their persistence in the environment and links to health issues including cancer, liver damage and developmental problems. The EPA introduced its first binding limits on PFAS earlier this year, triggering a wave of infrastructure upgrades among water utilities.

"Addressing PFAS in our systems is not optional. It's imperative," Aqua Pennsylvania said in a statement. "This funding accelerates our timeline and ensures we meet the new federal standards while continuing to deliver safe, reliable water."

Water industry analysts have warned that utilities which delay action risk falling behind in both compliance and public trust. The sector is expected to face rising scrutiny over water safety alongside increasing legal risks associated with contamination.

The project is partly financed through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has expanded federal support for environmental resilience projects. The Pennvest investment reflects growing cooperation between federal and state agencies to help utilities manage regulatory shifts.

By moving early, Aqua Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a leader in PFAS compliance. The utility's swift action could prompt similar moves by operators elsewhere as water quality remains a focus for policymakers and regulators across the US.