$3.4 Million In Federal Funds To Improve Water Treatment In Fair Lawn

FAIR LAWN, NJ — Since 2017, Fair Lawn's water department has shut down a number of the borough's wells that were deemed "unsafe" due to increased levels of long-lasting chemicals called per- and poly fluorinated substances (PFAS), local government officials said.

Because Fair Lawn is operating with fewer wells, the borough has been forced to purchase water from private companies, which can increase utility bills for system users, the officials said.

A new $3.4 million federal investment, announced by Fair Lawn Deputy Mayor Cristina Cutrone and District 5 Rep. Josh Gottheimer, will go to improve the town's water treatment capabilities so the wells can meet acceptable federal and state standards to turn back online, the officials said at a news conference on Friday.

At that time, the water rates will no longer be controlled by private companies, and Fair Lawn will have more control over its own supply, "making life safer and more affordable for families," said Gottheimer, who was joined by Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso and Fair Lawn water utility officials at the event.

"The long-term hope is to have a new, full-fledged water treatment facility to handle filtration systems in addition to many of these issues on a broader scale," Gottheimer added. "This new federal investment is the first step in that process."

PFAS chemicals has been an issue for municipalities across the Fifth Congressional District, the congressman's office said, and has been linked to a host of adverse health effects, including increased risk of some cancers, studies have shown.

The $3.4 million is part of a federal investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address water infrastructure issues, Gottheimer said.

“Today is a perfect example of the government in Washington and the government in Fair Lawn working together as they were intended to do, meeting the needs of our citizens,” borough Deputy Mayor Cutrone said. “These (funds) are crucial to ensuring that we continue to remove any and all harmful chemicals from our water. It means that we can create long-term solutions that will allow us to bring all of our wells back online."