Krueger, Delloso: Ridley PFAS mitigation bolstered by $35 million in state funding
Rep. Leanne Krueger October 15, 2025 | 12:23 PM
BROOKHAVEN, Oct. 15 – Ridley’s water treatment plant will install new PFAS removal technology thanks to $35 million in funding from Pennvest, state Reps. Leanne Krueger and David Delloso, both D-Delaware, announced today.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are toxic, man-made “forever chemicals” increasingly found in water supplies across Pennsylvania. They are common in consumer products such as nonstick pans, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam and cosmetics, and have been linked to significant health problems, including cancer.
“PFAS contamination in Delaware County’s drinking water has been of utmost concern to me and to our residents for some time now,” Krueger said. “I’m grateful to PENNVEST for their investment in making our community safer and healthier. Everyone deserves access to safe, clean water, and this funding will help us continue to solve the issues we’ve been facing.”
In March, Aqua Pennsylvania, the water provider that operates Ridley’s treatment plant, filed a lawsuit against chemical manufacturer Arkema Inc., alleging the company’s West Chester location contaminated water supplies in the surrounding areas with PFAS. The lawsuit claims Arkema negligently dumped PFAS into the Goose Creek Watershed, which provides drinking water to 16,000 customers in Delaware County. Aqua has since spent millions testing for and removing the PFAS.
“PFAS contamination is a serious concern with real health consequences, and I know people in the township are depending on us, their state and local officials, to get solutions in place that guarantee the water coming from their taps is clean,” Delloso said. “This financial support from the state through PENNVEST means Ridley won’t have to raise local taxes to pay for the project.”
The funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, or PENNVEST, will allow Aqua to install new treatment vessels designed to absorb PFAS compounds and help the plant control the contamination. Just over $3.9 million will come as a nonrepayable grant, while more than $31.09 million will be provided as a low-interest loan.
Installing the mitigation technology will involve constructing a new brick building on the existing Ridley treatment plant campus to house a new electrical room and meet other needs. The project is expected to run from March 2026 through February 2028.
PENNVEST is an independent agency of the Commonwealth that provides financial assistance for construction of drinking water, sewer and stormwater projects throughout the state. It is not funded by the state’s General Fund, which covers daily operations and services of the Commonwealth.
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