The City of Summerville is moving forward with plans to improve its water system after receiving a $4.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to address PFAS contamination.

According to Summerville Mayor Rickey Hughes, the city plans to use the funding to develop additional wells to help supply water to the Raccoon Creek Water Treatment Plant, while continuing long-term upgrades aimed at removing PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” from the city’s water supply.

Mayor Hughes told WZQZ News on Friday, that the city remains involved in ongoing litigation against chemical companies in an effort to secure funding for the final phase of improvements. That phase includes the installation of Granular Activated Carbon filtration systems at the Raccoon Creek Water Treatment Plant — a project expected to cost between $25 million and $30 million.

The recently awarded grant will help begin critical improvements, including the installation of PFAS remediation technology and upgrades to the city’s existing water infrastructure.

Summerville is one of ten communities across Georgia sharing more than $32 million in funding through federal programs designed to improve drinking water systems and reduce exposure to harmful contaminants.

City officials say the investment represents a major step forward in protecting public health and ensuring a safer, more reliable water supply for residents.