The Western Berks Water Authority has been awarded a low-interest loan of more than $39 million, along with a $1.5 million grant, to improve its facility.
State Rep. Eric Weaknecht and state Sen. Chris Gebhard announced Wednesday that the authority will receive the loan and grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, which helps communities promote economic development and improve water quality.
“This loan marks a significant investment in our community,” Weaknecht said. “I am glad to share this funding announcement with the 5th Legislative District and look forward to the completion of this project, which will serve our community well.”
Officials said the improvements will include a new sulfuric acid chemical feed system, featuring chemical feed pumps, storage tanks, feed lines and appurtenances. The current filters will be replaced with four new dual-media rapid rate gravity filters. A new 400,000-gallon clearwell will be constructed with four new 1,800-gallon-per-minute, high-service pumps.
The project will also add a 54,000-gallon backwash receiving tank, new sludge mixers and pumps and an additional 3,000-square-foot sludge drying area. The funding will also upgrade existing electrical, instrumentation and process control systems.
“Given the age of the current treatment plant and the increasing presence of harmful algal blooms in Blue Marsh Lake, funding this project is very important,” Gebhard said. “Ensuring local infrastructure is operational is a key function of government, and I’m pleased this funding is dedicated to that purpose.”