New Jersey American Water Completes $21.3 Million PFAS Treatment Project in Salem City

New Jersey American Water Unveils Major PFAS Treatment Project

In a significant step towards enhancing the safety of drinking water in Salem, New Jersey American Water has successfully completed a $21.3 million project focused on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) treatment at the Salem Water Treatment Plant. This initiative not only addresses serious environmental health concerns but also modernizes the community's critical water infrastructure.

On October 27, 2026, city officials and representatives from New Jersey American Water gathered to celebrate the successful completion of this long-term project, designed to meet both federal and state drinking water standards. The initiative ensures that the residents of Salem can rely on clean and safe drinking water, while also updating essential plant facilities to support this goal.

A Community-Focused Investment

The journey for this project began when New Jersey American Water acquired Salem's water and wastewater systems in June 2024. Upon taking over, the company quickly recognized that the existing water system fell short of regulatory standards concerning PFAS. As a response, the design and construction of a permanent treatment solution were prioritized, with stakeholders breaking ground on the new facility in Spring 2025.

Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water, emphasized the commitment to community safety and service quality: "We understood the urgency of addressing its water quality needs and the level of investment required to provide a permanent solution."

The completion of the new treatment system includes cutting-edge granular activated carbon technology that can process up to two million gallons of water per day, solidifying its role as a permanent treatment solution for PFAS in the region. The treatment plant serves not only Salem but also neighboring areas such as Quinton, Elsinboro, and Mannington townships, showcasing a comprehensive approach to water safety that benefits a wider community.

Enhancements Beyond PFAS Treatment

Improvements made during the project go beyond just PFAS filtration. The company invested in constructing a new treatment building and backwash equalization tank and upgraded source-water wells, treatment controls, and monitoring systems. Aging pumps, piping, membrane treatment units, and chemical-feed equipment were replaced, illustrating a broader goal of modernizing the facility to enhance operational efficiency and community safety.

Public officials, including Assemblyman David Bailey, praised the project, stating, "When Salem residents turn on their water, they need to know that it's going to be there and that it's going to be safe. This treatment plant is a great model as we move forward."

Continued Commitment to Salem

New Jersey American Water’s long-term commitment to Salem is evident in their planned investment of $48 million over the next five years to ensure ongoing enhancements to the water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes additional projects aimed at improving reliability and safety for residents.

In his remarks, McDonough reaffirmed the company’s dedication, stating, "Completing this project is an important milestone, but it is not the end of our work in Salem. We will continue investing in the infrastructure needed to support safe, clean, reliable, and affordable service for our customers."

Conclusion

The successful completion of the PFAS treatment facility highlights the critical role that effective water management and innovative technological solutions play in ensuring community health and safety. For the residents of Salem, this milestone marks a promising chapter in their journey toward drinking water safety and reliability.

As New Jersey American Water continues to invest in and improve these systems, the community can feel more confident in the water they consume daily. The partnership between New Jersey American Water and Salem City stands as a model for responsible stewardship and investment in crucial public infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of community health in organizational priorities.