Press Releases
Pennsylvania American Water announces plans for a drinking water treatment plant to increase the source of supply and treat PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (Dec. 18, 2025) – Pennsylvania American Water today announced plans construct a new water treatment plant for about 25,000 customers in Exeter Township and surrounding communities. This plant will draw water from the Schuylkill River, helping increase the supply and improve overall water quality.
“This project represents a major investment in the health, reliability, and quality of water for Exeter Township,” said Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Engineering Tony Nokovich. “By leveraging the Schuylkill River and advanced treatment technology, we’re ensuring more dependable water for generations to come.”
The state-of-the-art facility will feature advanced treatment technologies that provide multiple layers of protection and improve the overall customer experience, including:
- UV Light Disinfection: Adds an extra safeguard against viruses and bacteria.
- PFAS Treatment: Meets upcoming federal standards for removing these chemicals from drinking water.
- Granular Activated Carbon Filters: Assists in removing impurities and improving taste and odor.
- Corrosion Control: Protects pipes and fixtures in homes and businesses.
- Taste and Odor Enhancements: Carbon treatment improves how water tastes.
The new Exeter Township water treatment plant is currently in the design phase, which will run through 2027. Construction is scheduled to start in 2028, with completion anticipated in 2030. The plant will initially treat 3 million gallons per day and can be expanded to 6 million gallons per day to meet future needs.
Meeting future water standards is a top priority. The new facility will use advanced treatment to remove PFAS, in compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s April 2024 regulations. It will also be designed to address emerging contaminants, providing safe, high-quality water for years to come.
In addition to improved water quality, the new plant will strengthen supply reliability. By drawing water from the Schuylkill River, a surface water source that maintains flow even during dry periods, the system will be more resilient than the current groundwater wells, which can decline significantly during extended droughts.
Today, the Glen Alsace drinking water system, which serves Exeter and surrounding communities, primarily relies on 11 groundwater wells, supplemented by interconnections with the Reading Area Water Authority and Mount Penn Borough Authority.
Pennsylvania American Water will provide ongoing updates regarding the design and construction of the new Exeter Township water treatment plant. For the most current information, please visit https://www.amwater.com/paaw/exeter.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with 1,200 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people.
Media Contact:
John Kelemen
External Affairs Manager
484-238-5216
john.kelemen@amwater.com