NBCMA and U.S. Navy Expand Safe Public Water Access for Northampton Township Residents Impacted by PFAS

Northampton Township, PA (October 3, 2025) – In Phase 3 of the Navy PFAS Remediation Project, the Northampton, Bucks County, Municipal Authority (NBCMA), in partnership with the U.S. Navy is taking major steps to expand public water access for additional residents affected by PFAS contamination.

“On behalf of NBCMA, I wish to extend our sincere gratitude to PA State Representative Kristin Marcell, PA State Senator Frank Farry, US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, and the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors for their steadfast support and assistance in securing the essential funds to expand this effort,” stated Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of NBCMA.

Through a new Environmental Services Cooperative Agreement (ESCA) modification, public water service will be extended to homes in Northampton Township currently relying on private wells where PFAS levels exceed Department of Defense interim action levels—three times the federal maximum contaminant limits for PFOA and PFOS. These action levels reflect Pennsylvania’s strict standards: 14 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and 18 ppt for PFOS.

US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick explains, "PFAS contamination is one of the most serious public health crises our community has faced and as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan PFAS Task Force, I have worked to ensure it is met with urgency and accountability. This project is a long-overdue step toward justice for Northampton families who have lived with this threat for far too long.”

The initiative includes three key projects: the Northampton Hills Water Main Extension, which will bring NBCMA’s public water system to approximately 125 homes in Northampton Hills, with the potential to serve 23 additional nearby properties through the installation of over 9,700 feet of new water mains, 11 fire hydrants, full property connections, and the proper abandonment of private wells. In addition, Phase 3 will include the installation of up to 50 Point-of-Use Treatment Systems (POUTS) —undersink PFAS filtration units for eligible homes throughout NBCMA’s service area as directed by the Navy—to provide immediate protection while long-term water main improvements are underway.

All projects include surveying, design, permitting, public bidding, and restoration work, ensuring roads, lawns, and driveways are returned to their original condition. Costs for these improvements will be funded by the U.S. Navy and will include connection fees, plumbing upgrades, and well decommissioning at qualifying properties.

“From the start, I strongly supported this effort—working with NBCMA, the Navy, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to move it forward and secure the resources our community deserves. The expansion of safe public water is a major milestone in that fight, and I will continue pressing until every home in our community has the clean, safe water they can trust," said Fitzpatrick.

The Navy partnership is about protecting public health and securing safe, clean drinking water for the community it serves. NBCMA is committed to working with the Navy to move quickly, connect as many homes as possible, and give residents peace of mind about the water they drink.
Construction schedules and public meeting dates will be announced in the coming months. Residents can learn more and track project updates at https://www.nbcmatoday.org/navy-pfas-remediation-project