SALEM, N.J. — New Jersey American Water and the City of Salem broke ground Wednesday on a major infrastructure project aimed at improving water quality through the installation of a PFAS removal system at the Salem Water Treatment Plant.
The new facility will target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” that have raised concerns nationwide due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. The project is scheduled for completion within 18 months.
“This is a turning point for Salem,” said Salem City Mayor Dr. Jody Veler at the groundbreaking ceremony. “Our community deserves clean water, and we are proud to see this partnership with New Jersey American Water delivering results that will make a lasting difference.”
Officials from New Jersey American Water, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and the state Department of Environmental Protection joined local leaders to highlight the significance of the project for public health and environmental compliance.
“We are proud to partner with the City of Salem to deliver a timely solution to remove ‘forever chemicals’ from drinking water and restore community trust,” said Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water.
Officials hail project as model for statewide efforts
Zenon Christodoulou, Commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, said the project sets a precedent for similar initiatives across the state. “This issue will not go away easily, but starting today, in this town, it will begin to go away, thanks to your combined efforts,” he said.
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette commended the utility’s actions, stating, “Across New Jersey, the DEP is working with water systems both large and small to install advanced treatment systems to remove PFAS while also taking strong legal actions to hold accountable those companies that are responsible for this pollution.”
Since acquiring Salem’s water and wastewater systems in June 2024, New Jersey American Water has already invested over $1 million in the water system and $2.5 million in wastewater upgrades. The utility has pledged to invest $48.8 million over the next five years for further improvements.
The PFAS removal system is part of a broader push to modernize infrastructure and strengthen service reliability for thousands of Salem residents.
A new water treatment project in Salem aims to eliminate PFAS contamination and marks a major investment in public health and infrastructure.
