The City of Newark has completed a $20.5 million upgrade of the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant. This is the facility’s largest overhaul since it opened in 1989. The plant can now treat up to 60 million gallons of water daily, serving nearly 400,000 residents in Newark and nearby communities.
Upgrades included a new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, a filter air-scouring system, and advanced granular activated carbon filters to capture PFAS and other contaminants. Crews also replaced 60 valves and nine backwash pumps to extend the plant’s life.
The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank financed the project with low-interest loans, saving ratepayers an estimated $7.6 million in borrowing costs.
Officials said the improvements enhance water quality, strengthen system resilience, and prepare Newark to adapt to emerging contaminants. Additional filter installations later this year will expand capacity beyond 70 million gallons per day.
The city has invested nearly $400 million in water and sewer infrastructure upgrades in recent years. A separate $195 million program replaced 23,000 lead service lines at no cost to homeowners.