Ridgewood Water Seeks Federal Funds For Construction Project

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Ridgewood Water are requesting federal investment for a new construction project that would help the company meet New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and United States Environmental Protection Agency Standards by 2025.

Both have submitted the formal request through Congress' new Community Project Funding, according to Gottheimer's Office.

Ridgewood Water is hoping to combat what they call "forever chemicals" harming the local water supply. The company serves Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Wyckoff and Midland Park.

Having already spent millions of dollars installing treatment technology, the company said more investment is needed to fully build the necessary facilities to address lead levels, as well as other chemicals.

Among those other chemicals are per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAs. Evidence shows that exposure to these chemicals "can lead to adverse human health effects," according to the EPA.

Ridgewood Water found evidence of PFAS in most of their 52 wells at levels that would exceed certain standards, according to Gottheimer's Office.

"After hearing repeatedly from Ridgewood Water and many of our towns, including our mayors and councils, I recently requested federal resources to help our towns and water utilities update their equipment to address lead in the water, PFAS, and other forever chemicals," said Gottheimer, who announced the news in Ridgewood last week.

"These are our tax dollars that, if approved and finalized by Congress, can be clawed back directly from Washington to help us here."

Gottheimer was joined at the announcement by Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen, Glen Rock Councilmember Amy Martin, Glen Rock Councilmember Jon Cole, Richard Calbi of Ridgewood Water, and other local leaders.

"I am grateful to the Congressman for hearing our concerns and showing his support of our most vital resource," said Glen Rock Mayor Kristine Morieko.

"Safe drinking water is essential and the Village is grateful for Congressman Gottheimer’s tireless efforts helping to address the costly remediation of PFAS contaminants," added Ridgewood Mayor Susan Knudsen.

Watch his announcement below:

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