Plumstead Township Secures $3.9M Grant to Upgrade Water System

In a welcome boost for local utilities, Plumstead Township was announced as the recipient of a $3.89 million grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The money is earmarked for a fairly ambitious project: stitching together two separate public water distribution networks into a single, more reliable system.

State Rep. Shelby Labs and State Sen. Steve Santarsiero introduced the award on Thursday, emphasizing that the upgrade isn’t just about pipework. It’s also a chance to finally confront the presence of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – the so‑called “forever chemicals” that have been detected in the township’s water supply.

“Investing in our water infrastructure is essential to protecting our communities and ensuring residents have access to reliable, high‑quality drinking water,” Sen. Santarsiero said. He added that better pressure isn’t a luxury; it’s a safety issue, noting that low pressure can hinder firefighters during emergencies.

The technical scope of the project is fairly concrete. Contractors will lay roughly 5,400 feet of 12‑inch main pipe, bore an additional 336 feet through horizontal directional drilling, install 22 gate valves, and add ten new fire hydrants. Together, these improvements aim to smooth out low‑pressure spots, cut energy waste, and simplify operations that have been hampered by running two separate systems.

Rep. Labs highlighted the financial angle, pointing out that water infrastructure projects are notoriously pricey. “Our communities need resources to address these issues without placing the burden on local residents,” she said, noting that the grant helps keep the cost out of taxpayers’ pockets.

Beyond Plumstead, the PENNVEST program continues to fund drinking‑water, wastewater, and storm‑water projects across Pennsylvania, reinforcing the state’s broader commitment to modernizing aging infrastructure.

Local officials expect the upgrades to be completed over the next few years, delivering steadier pressure for households, more dependable fire‑fighting capability, and, crucially, a step toward eliminating PFAS from the tap.