American Water and the City of Camden Highlight Water Infrastructure Improvements to Continue Safe, Clean and Reliable Water Service in the Camden Community

Rhea-AI Summary

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., is advancing water infrastructure improvements in Camden, NJ through a significant two-phase project. Phase One, completed in January 2022, implemented Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment at the Parkside Water Treatment Plant to remove PFAS compounds from groundwater.

Phase Two, initiated in April 2024, involves constructing GAC treatment at the Morris-Delair Water Treatment Plant, expected to meet federal PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels by end of 2025. The Parkside and Morris-Delair facilities collectively treat 6-8 million gallons of water daily, serving over 46,000 Camden residents.

American Water Contract Services, operating Camden's water and wastewater system since 2016, is executing these upgrades to address PFAS and 1,4-dioxane contamination, ensuring continued safe water delivery to the community.

Positive

• Completed Phase One of water treatment upgrades at Parkside facility
• Infrastructure improvements ensure compliance with federal PFAS regulations
• Significant daily water treatment capacity of 6-8 million gallons

Negative

• Ongoing construction and capital expenditure requirements through 2025
• Need for additional treatment equipment for future 1,4-dioxane regulation compliance

CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S, in partnership with the City of Camden, highlights its continued commitment to improving the City's water infrastructure through partnership and investment.

Partnering for continued safe, clean water in the City of Camden. L-R: Jameson Pearson, Regional Manager, Bowen Engineering; Dina Cooper-Williams, Supplier Diversity Program Manager, American Water; Victor Carstarphen, City of Camden Mayor; Lawrence Wooten, Director, Supplier Diversity, American Water; Councilman Chris Collins, City of Camden; Councilwoman Jennette Ramos, City of Camden; Mark McDonough, SVP and President, New Jersey American Water; and Lance Livesay, Director, Operational Support, American Water Contract Services

"The Parkside and Morris-Delair Water Treatment Plants provide a critical service and benefit to the residents in Camden," said Victor Carstarphen, City of Camden Mayor. "Proactively upgrading our infrastructure allows us to continue the delivery of safe, reliable water service to our customers. These projects represent comprehensive investments and the commitment to enhancing resiliency and keeping safety top of mind for our community.”

Camden’s capital water infrastructure project began in 2020 to address per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 1,4-dioxane. The two-phase approach focused on treating both the Parkside well supply and Morris-Delair well supply.

• Phase One: American Water’s Contract Services Group (CSG), on behalf of the city, along with their design-build partner team, commissioned the operation of the new Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment at the Parkside Water Treatment Plant, 14 months after beginning to develop the plan. This new treatment has been effectively removing PFAS and other perfluorinated compounds from groundwater to meet regulations since January 2022. The Parkside facility has also been modified to easily accommodate additional treatment equipment to address 1,4-dioxane when that compound becomes regulated.

• Phase Two: In April 2024, American Water Contract Services, along with the City of Camden, Bowen Engineering and Mott MacDonald, began construction of GAC treatment at the Morris-Delair Water Treatment Plant. The plant is expected to treat the proposed federal PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels by the end of 2025.

The Parkside and Morris-Delair Water Treatment Plants provide vital capacity to treat and deliver approximately 6-8 million gallons of water per day to more than 46,000 residents in the Camden community.

“American Water is proud to partner with the City of Camden to help continue to provide drinking water that meets all state and federal requirements for safety and quality. Investments in Parkside and Morris-Delair will help ensure that for current and future residents and businesses in Camden,” said Sean Wheatley, President, American Water Contract Services Group. “Additionally, our team would like to thank New Jersey American Water for their continued partnership and helping to supplement the Camden water supply during facility upgrades.”

American Water Contract Services has been the contract operator for Camden’s water and wastewater system since 2016. To learn more about American Water’s ongoing partnership with the Camden community, visit amwater.com/camden.

Additionally, American Water's Supplier Diversity team held an information session earlier in the day focused on enhancing the performance of diverse suppliers, particularly regarding subcontractor opportunities. The day concluded with a tour of the Morris-Delair Water Treatment Plant.

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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250326224990/en/

Media Contacts



Alicia Barbieri

Director, Corporate Communications & External Affairs

American Water

856-676-8103

alicia.barbieri@amwater.com



Vince Basara

Director of Communications

City of Camden

856-757-7200

ViBasara@ci.camden.nj.us

Source: American Water

FAQ

What is the timeline for American Water's (AWK) Camden water infrastructure project completion?

Phase One was completed in January 2022, while Phase Two, started in April 2024, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

How many Camden residents are served by AWK's Parkside and Morris-Delair Water Treatment Plants?

The treatment plants serve more than 46,000 residents, processing 6-8 million gallons of water daily.

What contaminants is AWK's Camden water treatment project addressing?

The project addresses per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 1,4-dioxane contamination in the water supply.

What technology is AWK using to treat water in Camden's treatment plants?

AWK is implementing Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment technology at both Parkside and Morris-Delair facilities.