HARRISBURG PA – Upgrades at three water treatment systems in Montgomery and Chester counties will be paid for in part by financial support from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
The Harrisburg-based authority on Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2026) said it approved a $1.72 million “drinking water project” grant for Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. The utility company will be responsible for improvements at the “Turnbury Well 11” station in New Hanover Township.
PENNVEST also awarded more than $7 million in funds for two other area projects.
New Hanover Water Upgrades
Scheduled upgrades in New Hanover include the installation of two carbon filter tanks. They will be used to remove man-made chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), manufactured since the 1950s.
Additionally, the township well pump will be improved to more effectively push water through the system. All outdoor piping and valves also will be protected from the weather.
PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals,” do not degrade naturally in the environment. Studies reportedly show that high-level or prolonged exposure to PFAS can cause liver damage, high cholesterol, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, and increased risks of certain cancers.
“Installing the (New Hanover) PFAS treatment system is a critical investment in protecting public health,” 147th House District Rep. Donna Scheuren said. It should ensure “that our community’s drinking water remains safe, reliable, and compliant with emerging water quality standards,” she added.
Photo by Andres Simon on Unsplash, used under license
Two Additional Upgrades Funded
Two PENNVEST grants were awarded for other area water cleaning projects. They include:
- A $3.02 million grant and a $1.62 million loan, both to Pennsylvania-American Water Company, “for a lead and lead-impacted galvanized service line replacement project in Norristown” (Montgomery County). Removal of the lead lines from the distribution system “will increase the reliability of service,” the authority said. It also should improve “aesthetics and water quality, and eliminate potential health risks associated with lead in the drinking water;” and
- A $2.5 million grant to Aqua Pennsylvania for PF-AS removal and treatment covering two adjacent wells in East Brandywine Township near Downingtown (Chester County). The authority stated that removing the “known contaminant from the finished drinking water … will greatly improve” its quality.
Total costs for each of the three projects were not disclosed.
Overall, PENNVEST on Wednesday supplied funding valued at $190.3 million for a total of 24 drinking water, wastewater, and non-point source projects across 19 counties,” the state noted.
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority was founded in 1988. It provides grants and low-interest loans for the design, engineering, and construction of drinking water, storm water and wastewater systems.
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