New Jersey American Water and the City of Salem got down and dirty yesterday to kick off the construction of a fancy new PFAS removal system at the Salem Water Treatment Plant. This is a big deal because it’s all about making sure the good folks in Salem have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water. The groundbreaking ceremony was a real hoot, bringing together New Jersey American Water big shots, local politicians, and other important folks to celebrate the start of a project that will help keep Salem hydrated for years to come.
In just one short year since taking over the Salem water and wastewater systems in June 2024, New Jersey American Water has already poured over $1 million into the water system and another $2.5 million into the wastewater system. And they’re not stopping there, folks! They’ve got plans to throw down nearly $48.8 million over the next five years to upgrade the systems, keep things environmentally friendly, and make sure the water keeps flowing reliably in the region. It’s all about investing in the future, baby!
Mayor of Salem City, Dr. Jody Veler, was all smiles at the ceremony, saying, “This is a turning point for Salem. 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.” And you know what? Mark McDonough, the president of New Jersey American Water, was feeling pretty proud too. He said, “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.” That’s some feel-good stuff right there!
Commissioner Zenon Christodoulou from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities was also feeling the love, saying, “This facility doesn’t just help local residents, but it sets the stage for the state of New Jersey. This issue will not go away easily, but starting today, in this town, it will begin to go away, thanks to your combined efforts… Our job at the BPU is to make sure that we provide safe and affordable service for all of our residents… and on behalf of the BPU, you have made our job infinitely easier. With great optimism, we look to the future.” Sounds like they’re on the right track to me!
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette from the DEP also chimed in, saying, “My DEP colleagues and I congratulate New Jersey American Water on the groundbreaking of this treatment plant. 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.” It’s all about teamwork, folks!
So, there you have it, folks! New Jersey American Water and the City of Salem are joining forces to make sure that clean water keeps flowing in Salem. It’s all about investing in the community and working together to tackle tough challenges. Keep an eye out for more exciting updates as this project moves forward!
