[Asbury, NJ] – [April 28] – Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) announced today that it was awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation 2026 Water and Environment grant, focusing on PFAS contamination of private wells in the watershed.

Grant funding for this project will be used to assess potential PFAS contamination in residential septic tanks, groundwater and in the Musconetcong River and provide the community with critical water quality information.

Townships in the watershed face significant challenges related to their reliance on private septic systems, The carbonate bedrock geology increases  the area's vulnerability to septic system failures, as this geologic composition allows for the rapid transport of contaminants into groundwater. Preliminary sampling by MWA has shown PFAS levels in areas not near known sources. This project seeks to evaluate the potential impact that septic systems have on the transport of PFAS into groundwater (used for drinking water) and to the river.

“We’re grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for awarding the Musconetcong Watershed Association a grant for the second year in a row! This support allows us to continue our important work studying the fate and transport of PFAS in groundwater and the Musconetcong River. Together, we’re advancing science and protecting the health of our watershed and communities,” said Eileen Murphy, Executive Director of the MWA.

The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program. The Foundation is a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., supporting high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to the communities it serves.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to invest in organizations and programs that focus on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “We take pride in furthering American Water’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and trusted partner in the community.”

Learn more about our mission and community impact, https://www.musconetcong.org

The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the Musconetcong Watershed and its waters for people and nature.

Media Contact
Eileen Murphy, Ph.D.Executive Director