Larson Announces $3 Million in New Federal Funding to Remove PFAS Chemicals from Southington Water Supply

"Everyone deserves access to clean and safe drinking water," said Larson. "I have worked closely with the Southington Water Department over the last few years to improve the town's water supply, and am proud to announce $3 million in new federal funding that was just signed into law to support the construction of a new treatment facility that remove harmful, cancer-causing PFAS chemicals polluting the water residents rely on. I'll continue to work with all my colleagues in Congress to invest in our communities and protect families from these dangerous chemicals."

"We know that PFAS pose serious long-term health risks, including an increased risk of cancer," said State Rep. Chris Poulos. "Investing in modern treatment technology to remove these dangerous chemicals from our drinking water is a critical step in protecting public health and ensuring a safer future for everyone in Southington. We are grateful for Congressman Larson's advocacy on the federal level."

Larson secured this new funding as part of a government funding packagethat passed the House earlier this month and was signed into law last Friday. It builds on $2 million in federal funding Rep. Larson helped secure with Senators Blumenthal and Murphy for the project in 2024.

"We are deeply grateful for this $3 million in Community Project Funding request, which is a major investment in protecting public health," said Robert Berkmoes, President of the Southington Water Department Board of Water Commissioners. "Approval of the funding will allow the Department to advance critical PFAS treatment for Wells 9 and 10 and continue to deliver safe, reliable drinking water to Southington residents. For almost five years, we have advocated for this important water infrastructure funding support, which Congressman Larson has led and helped deliver, with the strong support of Senators Blumenthal and Murphy and all members of the Connecticut Congressional delegation. Members of the local legislative delegation as well as Governor Lamont's infrastructure team have supported the Department's efforts as well."

"This funding is very timely for our water system. It accelerates our ability to address PFAS at Wells 9 and 10 and ensures our infrastructure meets today's standards while safeguarding our community for the future," said Douglas Arndt, Superintendent of Southington Water Department.

Rep. Larson and the Connecticut delegation previously helped secure $19 millionin federal infrastructure funding to combat PFAS pollution in Connecticut's drinking water supply, and helped pass the bipartisan PFAS Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in 2022, to prevent the release of PFAS foam into the environment.

Photos from today's press conference are available HERE.