Residents in and around Willow Grove could see long-term benefits from a new federal effort aimed at improving water systems, especially as the community continues to grapple with contamination concerns tied to the former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently launched the Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) program, designed to help communities upgrade aging water infrastructure and meet federal safety standards.
While the initiative is primarily focused on rural areas, experts say the issues it addresses, aging pipes, regulatory compliance, and limited staffing, are challenges that can affect communities across Pennsylvania, including parts of Montgomery County.
That’s particularly relevant for Willow Grove, where ongoing concerns over PFAS contamination linked to firefighting foam used at the former base have raised questions about long-term water safety and infrastructure.
Unlike traditional funding programs, RealWaterTA provides hands-on technical support at no cost, connecting local utilities with experts who can help improve systems, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and navigate funding opportunities.
Supporters say the program’s focus on practical fixes, like maintaining existing systems and strengthening oversight, could complement broader efforts already underway to monitor and address contamination in the area.
Officials note that many water systems face increasing pressure from stricter safety standards, aging equipment, and workforce shortages, issues that can complicate responses to contamination events like those seen near Willow Grove.
For local residents, the new program represents another potential tool in ensuring water systems remain safe, reliable, and capable of addressing ongoing environmental challenges.
