Indiana American Water has begun operating Indiana’s first public drinking water treatment system specifically designed to remove per and polyfluoroalkyl substances at its Charlestown water treatment plant. The nearly six million dollar investment became operational in late 2025 and was formally recognized through a ribbon cutting ceremony in January 2026. State environmental officials confirmed the installation represents the first PFAS treatment system deployed within a public water utility in Indiana.
The upgrade includes a granular activated carbon system supported by new pumps piping electrical infrastructure and control systems. Financing was provided through Indiana’s State Revolving Fund Loan Program and builds on a prior sixteen million dollar treatment plant investment completed in 2022. The Charlestown facility serves roughly three thousand customers and was selected due to its ability to accommodate future treatment enhancements. Indiana American Water stated that lessons from this installation will guide additional PFAS treatment upgrades planned for other Indiana service areas as funding and regulatory requirements evolve.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates proactive investment by utilities to address PFAS contamination ahead of tighter drinking water regulations.
Source Attribution
Source: Indiana American Water
