$24M In Upgrades Unveiled At Yardley Water Treatment Plant

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —State and local officials toured the Yardley Water Treatment Plant Monday to witness $24 million in upgrades to the Edgewood Road facility.

Pennsylvania American Water showcased the upgrades that include a range of system enhancements and critical infrastructure improvements. The plant services Yardley, Lower Makefield Township and Falls Township. See Video below of the improvements.

"I really enjoyed touring the Yardley Plant," Yardley Council President Caroline Thompson said. "We saw firsthand the plant upgrades. Thanks, PAWC for your investment in our heath and safety."

Thompson was joined on the tour by Yardley Councilman David Appelbaum, Borough Manager Paula Johnson and Police Chief Joseph Kelly III.

The tour was also attended by state Rep. Perry Warren, who represents both Yardley and Lower Makefield Township, Lower Makefield Supervisor John Lewis, State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and Pennsbury School Board Member Gary Sanderson.

The group also included Justin Ladner, Pennsylvania American Water's president and Dave Lentowski, the utility's project manager.

“Our Yardley Treatment Plant provides an essential service," Ladner said. "We are thrilled to unveil the latest investment into this facility. Upgrading our infrastructure allows us to continue the delivery of safe, reliable water service to our customers. This project represents a comprehensive investment and commitment to keeping pace with industry best practices."

The project started in the summer of 2020 and was completed this fall.

Upgrades to the facility include:

• Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection system to provide another layer of protection against viruses and bacteria that could be present in surface water sources
• Upgraded existing chlorine and ammonia gas systems for enhanced safety for employees and the community.

The Yardley Water Treatment Plant can treat up to 6 million gallons of water per day.

The system includes five storage tanks to provide drinking water and fire protection to nearly 36,000 people in Lower Makefield Township, Yardley Borough, and portions of Falls Township.

The plant has been nationally recognized with Directors Awards from the EPA’s Partnership for Safe Water program for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards. The Yardley water system includes 192 miles of water main and 744 fire hydrants.