One of the locations shown during a Pennsylvania American Water open house and tour of the Butler Wastewater Treatment Plant in Butler on Saturday, June 7. Customers of PA American Water are expected to receive a one-time bill credit after legal settlements. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will permit a proposal for Pennsylvania American Water to offer more than $18 million in bill credits to customers across the state.

A news release by the commission on Thursday, Nov. 6, said the funds come from proceeds received through legal settlements with manufacturers of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, which are commonly known as PFAS, or “forever chemicals.”

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in consumer and industrial products, such as firefighting foam, according to the release. Due to a slow breakdown process, the chemicals can accumulate in water sources.

The proceeds will be distributed as one-time bill credits which will amount to roughly $26 per customer.

Pennsylvania American is seeking to apply these credits as soon as possible, the release said.