Fast-Tracked Investment Delivers Permanent PFAS Treatment and Modernizes Critical Infrastructure at Salem Water Treatment Plant

CAMDEN, N.J., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey American Water and Salem City today celebrated the completion of a $21.3 million PFAS treatment installation project at the Salem Water Treatment Plant, delivering permanent PFAS treatment to meet federal and state drinking water requirements. The project also modernized critical plant infrastructure and strengthened the facility's ability to provide safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water to the community.

When New Jersey American Water acquired Salem's water and wastewater systems in June 2024, the water system was not meeting applicable drinking water regulations for PFAS. The company responded by fast-tracking the design and construction of a permanent treatment solution while completing broader improvements throughout the plant. The company broke ground on the project in Spring 2025, and the new treatment was placed into service later that year in November. The final housing facility for the treatment was completed in Summer of 2026.

"When the city sold its water system to New Jersey American Water a little over two years ago, we placed an essential part of our community's infrastructure in their hands, and that decision carried an expectation of responsible stewardship, continued investment and a partner who understood that Salem matters" said Salem City Mayor Jody Veler. "Since then, New Jersey American Water has been a great community partner, and the installation of this new PFAS filtration system is another meaningful example of that partnership in action. Our residents deserve confidence in the water they use each day, and investments like this help us build that confidence."

"PFAS are fundamental issues for the people we serve," said Assemblyman David Bailey. "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 and an incredible use of technology to help ensure safe drinking water."

"Today is about delivering on the commitment we made to Salem," said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and senior vice president of American Water. "When we acquired the system, we understood the urgency of addressing its water quality needs and the level of investment required to provide a permanent solution. Our team moved quickly, brought the new PFAS treatment system into service on an accelerated timeline and completed critical upgrades that will benefit Salem for years to come."

The new treatment system uses granular activated carbon technology and includes six treatment vessels arranged across three treatment trains. It can treat up to 2 million gallons of water per day, providing permanent PFAS treatment for water supplied by the facility. The plant serves the City of Salem and portions of Quinton, Elsinboro and Mannington townships.

Beyond the PFAS treatment installation, the project included construction of a new treatment building and backwash equalization tank; improvements to source-water wells, treatment controls and monitoring systems; and replacement of aging pumps, piping, membrane treatment units and chemical-feed equipment. Fire protection, security and other site improvements were also completed as part of the comprehensive modernization project.

New Jersey American Water has nearly two decades of experience researching emerging contaminants and designing treatment systems for groundwater and surface-water sources. The company has worked closely with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on PFAS since 2007 and began implementing treatment to remove certain PFAS compounds as early as 2012, well before the state established enforceable limits.

The Salem project builds on more than $28 million invested by New Jersey American Water in the city's water and wastewater infrastructure during the company's first two years of ownership. Completed improvements have also included upgrades to the Salem wastewater treatment plant and pump stations, customer-meter replacements, rehabilitation of the city's water tank and modernization of facilities to improve operational efficiency, safety and security. The company plans to invest an additional $48 million over the next five years to further modernize the systems and strengthen service reliability.

"Completing this project is an important milestone, but it is not the end of our work in Salem," added McDonough. "We will continue investing in the infrastructure, people and partnerships needed to support safe, clean, reliable and affordable service for our customers."

More information about New Jersey American Water's work to address PFAS is available at newjerseyamwater.com/Water-Quality/PFAS.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. 

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SOURCE American Water