The Government of Pennsylvania has announced a $288.2 million investment to fund 39 drinking water, wastewater, and non-point source projects across 24 counties in Pennsylvania. Through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), these projects aim to improve water quality, rehabilitate aging systems, replace lead service lines, and reduce environmental contaminants like PFAS.
“Today’s investment in our communities strengthens our clean water infrastructure while addressing legacy contaminants like lead and PFAS,” said PENNVEST Chairman Dr. Brian Regli. This marks a milestone in PENNVEST’s commitment to water quality, which has already allocated over $95 million to PFAS-related projects.
Funding for PENNVEST water improvement projects comes from a mix of state funds, Growing Greener and Marcellus Legacy funds, allocations from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, federal grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments, as well as repayments from prior PENNVEST loans.
Among the funded initiatives, some of the most significant investments include:
- City of Philadelphia ($68.8 million loan) – The largest project involves constructing a new pumping station and upgrading the East Park Booster Pumping Station, vital for interconnecting West and Central Philadelphia’s water systems. The upgrades will enhance reliability, improve safety, and increase resilience in emergencies.
- Hazleton City Authority ($16.2 million grant) – A complete upgrade and expansion of the Dreck Creek pump station will improve daily water availability and reduce losses, addressing growing demand in Carbon County.
- Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority ($26 million grant and loan) – This project will replace approximately 580 public and 1,100 private lead service lines, serving 3,500 homes across neighborhoods such as Homewood, Oakland, and Squirrel Hill. It will remove lead contamination, conserve water, and eliminate the need for daily line flushing.
- Pennsylvania American Water Company ($15.2 million loan) – Improvements to the Kinzua Road Wastewater Treatment Plant will resolve compliance issues, reduce overflow events, and enhance solids handling in McKean County.
- Emmaus Borough ($11.8 million grant and loan) – PFAS remediation in Lehigh County will improve water quality for this disadvantaged community, ensuring compliance with state and federal safety standards.
- Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority ($9.4 million loan) – A cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining project will address inflow and infiltration issues, benefiting local waterways like Neshaminy Creek.
These projects reflect Pennsylvania’s ongoing commitment to sustainable water infrastructure and public health, supported by state and federal funding, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.