Camden, N.J. – October 29, 2026 -- New Jersey American Water and Salem City have completed a $21.3 million PFAS treatment installation at the Salem Water Treatment Plant. The system can treat up to 2 million gallons of water per day and is designed to meet federal and state drinking water requirements.
Utility fast-tracked treatment after acquiring a non-compliant system
When New Jersey American Water acquired Salem's water and wastewater systems in June 2024, the water system was not meeting applicable PFAS drinking water regulations. The company fast-tracked design and construction of a permanent solution. It broke ground in Spring 2025 and placed the new treatment into service in November of that year. The final housing facility was completed in Summer 2026.
Granular activated carbon system runs six vessels across three trains
The treatment uses granular activated carbon technology, with six treatment vessels arranged across three treatment trains. The plant serves the City of Salem and portions of Quinton, Elsinboro and Mannington townships.
Project extends beyond PFAS removal to full plant modernization
The scope included a new treatment building and a backwash equalization tank. Crews also upgraded source-water wells, treatment controls and monitoring systems. Aging pumps, piping, membrane treatment units and chemical-feed equipment were replaced, and fire protection, security and other site improvements were completed.
Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and senior vice president of American Water, said the company moved quickly to bring the system online on an accelerated timeline. "Today is about delivering on the commitment we made to Salem," he said.
Company has worked with state regulators on PFAS since 2007
New Jersey American Water has worked with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on PFAS since 2007. It began treating to remove certain PFAS compounds as early as 2012, before the state established enforceable limits.
Salem spending tops $28 million, with $48 million more planned
The PFAS project is part of more than $28 million the company invested in Salem's water and wastewater infrastructure during its first two years of ownership. Other completed work includes upgrades to the Salem wastewater treatment plant and pump stations, customer-meter replacements and rehabilitation of the city's water tank. The company plans to invest an additional $48 million over the next five years to further modernize the systems and strengthen service reliability.