Northampton Twp. Awarded $13M To Address Contaminated Private Wells

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The Northampton Township Municipal Authority has been awarded a $13 million grant to extend public water to hundreds of township residents affected by contaminated wells.

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority grant was announced on Thursday by State Senator Frank Farry (R-6) and State Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-178) and Joe Hogan (R-142) who represent the township in Harrisburg.

“I am proud to have partnered with Rep. Marcell and Rep. Hogan in supporting the funding for this important project, so these residents have safe, clean drinking water,” said Farry. “I want to thank Northampton Township Chairman Adam Selisker for his leadership and support in ensuring this substantial funding was secured for the authority.”

Due to past activities that took place at the Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster facility neighboring Northampton Township, significant groundwater contamination issues have been found resulting from perfluorinated compounds known as PFOS and PFOA. Many private wells that were tested, exceeded maximum contaminant levels proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

“I, along with Sen. Farry and Rep. Hogan, strongly supported this funding because it directly helps families in Northampton Township who have dealt with the impact of PFAS contamination,” said Marcell. “This investment will allow the Authority to expand access to clean water and connect more homes to a safe supply. It’s a meaningful step forward for our community’s health and peace of mind.”

The authority will use the funding to extend public water system service to 334 residences in the Churchville Manor and Hillside Manor subdivisions of Northampton Township. The work includes the construction of an 8-inch water main, water service connections, fire hydrant and flushing station installations, and trench restoration. Treatment upgrades will also be made to all the public wells that supply the system.

“I am thankful we were able to secure this critical funding. Now hundreds of homeowners in Northampton will know that they have clean and safe drinking water every time they turn their tap,” said Hogan.

The authority also received a low-interest loan in the amount of $6,876,873 to fund the remaining scope of the project. The project is expected to start in December and be completed by May 2028.

PENNVEST funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and recycled loan payments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Funds for the project are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST.