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2014 Consumer Confidence Report

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Executive Summary

The West Caldwell Water Utility is committed to providing safe and healthful drinking water that meets or surpasses all health and safety standards set by the EPA and NJDEP. The utility purchases water from the Passaic Valley Water Commission, which regularly collects and tests water samples. In 2013, West Caldwell's water met or surpassed all safety standards. The Township Council Public Meeting is held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:15 p.m., Town Hall, 30 Clinton Road, West Caldwell, where water related issues can be discussed.

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--- Document: 2014 Consumer Confidence Report Document ---
West Caldwell Township
Water Utility
30 Clinton Road
West Caldwell, NJ 07006
PWS ID NJ0721001
Your Tap Water Makes the
Grade For The Year 2014!
West Caldwell's Drinking Water News
Water is an important element in our lives. Did
you know that water makes up 65% of our bod-
ies? And health experts recommend that we drink
eight glasses of water a day? Safe, clean water is
essential to our wellbeing. That's why we want
you to know that our water meets - and often sur-
passes - all health and safety standards set by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The West
Caldwell Water Utility is dedicated to providing
you and your family with water that is safe and
healthful.
The West Caldwell Water Utility purchases our water
from the Passaic Valley Water Commission. Last year,
West Caldwell and the Passaic Valley Water Commission
regularly collected and tested water samples to assure
your water met all safety standards; and we're proud to let
you know that it did. All the test results are on file with
the NJDEP, the agency that monitors and regulates drink-
ing water quality in our State. In all cases, our water was
as good as - or better than - the government requirements.
The EPA and NJDEP establish drinking water regulations.
They also require water suppliers to make available
Drinking Water Quality Reports to customers on an annu-
al basis. This Drinking Water Quality Report provides
important information about your drinking water. Please
read it carefully, and feel free to call us at (973) 226-2300
if you have any questions about your water or your water
service. Or, you can call the EPA Safe Drinking Water
Hotline at (800) 426-4791. In addition, you may attend
the West Caldwell Township Council Public Meeting,
which is held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:15
p.m., Town Hall, 30 Clinton Road, West Caldwell.
1
Water Quality Table
During 2013, your water met or surpassed all standards for safety.
The water quality table shows how the quality of your drinking water compares to the standards set by the EPA and the NJDEP, as outlined
in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). When standards differed the more stringent standard was used for the MCL.
SDWA Primary Standards (Directly related to the safety of drinking water)
PRIMARY
CONTAMINANTS
Compliance MCLG
Achieved
Turbidity (NTU)
Yes
NA
Yes
NA
Total Organic Carbon (%) Yes
NA
MCL
TT=1
TT=percentage of
samples <0.3 NTU
(min 95% required)
TT= % removal
Plant Effluent Sample Results
PSW ID
NJ1605002
PVWC
0.69 (0.03-0.69)
99.9%
58% (lowest)
(25%-50% required)
Range 58-73%)
PWS ID
NJ1613001
NJDWSC
0.59 (0.07Average)
99.9%
35% (average)
(35% required)
(Range 28 to 41%)
Typical Source
Soil runoff.
Naturally present
in the environment.
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Arsenic (ppb)
Yes
0
5
0.98
ND
(ND - 0.98)
Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff
from orchards; Runoff from glass
& electronics production wastes.
Barium (ppm)
Yes
2
2
0.025 (0.015 0.025)
0.01
Discharge of drilling wastes;
discharge from metal refineries;
erosion of natural deposits.
Chromium (ppb)
Yes
100
100
0.24 (ND-0.24)
ND
Fluoride (ppm)
Yes
4
4
0.096 (0.076-0.096)
ND
Discharge from steel and pulp
mills; Erosion of natural deposits.
Erosion of natural deposits;
Nickel (ppb)
NA
NA
NA
2.4 (1.9 - 2.4)
ND
Erosion of natural deposits.
Nitrate (ppm)
Yes
10
10
4.4 (0.083-4.4)
0.21
Runoff from fertilizer use;
Leaching from septic tanks, sewage;
Erosion of natural deposits.
PRIMARY
Compliance MCLG
MCL
Distribution Systems Samples
Typical Source
CONTAMINANTS
Achieved
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Total Coliform Bacteria (%) Yes
0
5% of monthly
0
Fecal Coliform or E.coli Yes
0
samples are positive.
0
0
Naturally present in the environment
Human and animal fecal waste.
Bacteria (#)
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Highest LRAA
Haloacetic Acids
Yes
NA
60
(HAA5) (ppb)
21.70 (Range 11.42 - 29.55)
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
Total Trihalomethanes
Yes
NA
80
58.97 (Range 23.0 - 83.6)
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
(TTHM) (ppb)
Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys or
central nervous system and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
DISINFECTANTS
Highest Result
Chlorine (ppm)
Yes
MRDLG=4
MRDL=4
1.4
LEAD AND COPPER
Copper (ppm)
Yes
MCLG Action Level
1.3
90th Percentile
1.3
0.075
Lead (ppb)
Yes
0
15
Water additive used to control microbes.
Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; Erosion of natural deposits;
Leaching from wood perservatives.
2
Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; Erosion of natural deposits.
Table 6. Table of monitored Contaminants Not Detected in 2013
Little Falls-WTP Effluent
Asbestos, Antimony, Beryllium, Bromate, Cadmium, Cyanide, Iron, Mercury, Selenium, Silver, Surfactants, Thallium, and
Volatile Organic Compounds.
2
SDWA Secondary Standards (Related to the aesthetic quality of drinking water)
N.J.
PWSID NJ1605002
NJDWSC-Wanaque
WTP
PWSID NJ1613001
Key
PVWC-Little Falls WTP
Action Level
Color Unit
Maximum Contaminant Level
Recommended
Upper Limit
Range of
RUL
RUL
Contaminant
(RUL)
Results
Achieved
Result
Achieved
Alkalinity,ppm
NA
54-81
NA
36
NA
Aluminum, ppb
200
16-29
Yes
40
Yes
Chloride, ppm
250
70-130
Yes
40
Yes
Color, CU
10
ND
Yes
3
Yes
Corrosivity
Non-Corrosive Non-Corrosive
Yes
-
NA
Hardness (as CaCO3), ppm
250
84-192
Yes
57
Yes
Hardness (as CaCO3),
14.5
5-11
Yes
3
Yes
grains/gallon
Manganese, ppb
50
5-10
Yes
ND
Yes
Odor, TON
3
3-5
No
NA
pH (optimum range)
6.5 to 8.5
7.9-8.3
Yes
7.9
Yes
* Sodium, ppm
50
32-121
No*
22
Yes
Sulfate, ppm
250
56-105
Yes
9
Yes
Total Dissolved Solids, ppm
500
282-483
Yes
152
Yes
Zinc, ppb
5,000
2-5
Yes
15
Yes
CU
MCL
MCLG
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
NA
Not Applicable
ND
Not Detected
ppb
Parts Per Billion-The equivalent of 1
second in 32 years
ppm
Parts Per Million-The equivalent of 1
second in 12 days
pCi/L
Picocuries per liter-The equivalent
of 1 second in 32 million years
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
Threshold Odor Number
Treatment Technique
Running Annual Average
Locational Running Annual Average
Recommended Upper Limit
NTU
ΤΟΝ
TT
RAA
LRAA
RUL
* Sodium: PVWC was above New Jersey's Recommended Upper Limit (RUL) for Sodium. For healthy individuals, the sodium intake
from water is not important, because a much greater intake of sodium takes place from salt in the diet. However, sodium levels above
the recommended upper limit may be of concern to individuals on a sodium restricted diet.
Definitions
Action Level (AL) - The concentration of
a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers
treatment or other requirements which a
water system must follow.
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
(MCLG) - The level of a contaminant in
drinking water below which there is no
known or expected risk to health. MCLGs
allow for a margin of safety.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
The highest level at which a contaminant
that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs
are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible
using the best available treatment
technology.
Detected Substances
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Goal
(MRDLG) - The level of a drinking water
disinfectant below which there is no known
or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not
reflect the benefits of the use of disinfec-
tants to control microbial contamination.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
(MRDL) - The highest level of a disinfec-
tant allowed in drinking water. There is
convincing evidence that addition of a disin-
fectant is necessary for control of micro-
bial contaminants.
Running Annual Average (RAA) - The
annual average taken from the present
month going back twelve months.
Primary Standards Federal drinking
water regulations for substances that are
health-related. Water suppliers must meet
all primary drinking water standards.
Secondary Standards Federal drinking
water measurements for substances that do
not have an impact on health. These reflect
aesthetic qualities such as taste, odor, and
appearance. Secondary standards are rec-
ommendations, not mandates.
Treatment Technique (TT) - A required
process intended to reduce the level of a
contaminant in drinking water.
Location Running Annual Average (LRAA)
The annual average taken from the present
month going back twelve months for a
specific location.
Your water was tested for more than 178 substances. As you can see from our water quality tables on the proceeding page, the amounts
we found were less than the amounts allowed by the EPA. Listed below is information that may be of special interest to our customers.
Lead
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drink-
ing water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. West Caldwell is responsible for
providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has
been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before
using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information
on lead in drinking water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
What About Bottled Water?
Typically, the sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and
wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases,
radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria,
which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic
systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals,
which can be naturally occurring or result from urban
stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater
discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a
variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater
runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic
and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of
industrial processes and petroleum production, and can
also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff,
and septic systems.
Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally
occurring or be the result of oil and gas production, and
mining activities.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in
water provided by public water systems. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled
water, which must provide the same protection for public health.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The pres-
ence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential
health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791.
So, what's the bottom line? If bottled and tap water meet the Federal standards, they are both safe to drink. However, your tap water
costs less than one penny per gallon and is substantially less expensive than bottled water. Additionally, tap water is always available
in your own home.
3
Source Water Assessments
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has prepared Source Water Assessment reports and summaries for
all public water systems. The Source Water Assessment, and related questions, for the West Caldwell System (PSW ID NJ 0721001),
the PVWC system (PWS ID NJ 1605002), as well as the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (PWS ID NJ 1613001), can
be obtained by logging onto NJDEP's source water assessment Web site at www.state.nj.us/dep/swap or by contacting NJDEP's Bureau
of Safe Drinking Water at 609-292-5550. If a system is rated highly susceptible for a contamination category, it does not mean a cus-
tomer is - or will be - consuming contaminated water. The rating reflects the potential for contamination of source water, not the exis-
tence of contamination. Public water systems are required to monitor for regulated contaminants and to install treatment if any conta-
minants are detected at frequencies and concentrations above allowable levels. The source water assessments performed on the intakes
for each system lists the following susceptibility ratings as indicated in the tables below. Contaminants that may be present in source
water include:
Intake Susceptibility Ratings
Intakes
Pathogens
Nutrients
Pesticides
Volatile
Organic
Compounds
Inorganic
Contaminants
Radionuclides
Radon
Disinfection
Byproduct
Precursors
PVWC
1 - Medium
4 - High
4 - High
4 - Medium
4 - High
4 - Low
4 - Low
4 - High
4 Surface Water
3 - Low
NJDWSC
5 - High
5 - High
5 Surface Water
2 - Medium
3- Low
5 - Medium
5 - High
5 - Low
5 - Low
5 - High
Source Water Pathogen Monitoring-PVWC Sourcewaters
Contaminant
Cryptosporidium,
Oocysts/L
Giardia, Cysts/L
MPN E.coli per 100 ml
Pompton
River
Passaic
Typical Source
River
0-0.4
0-0.2
Microbial pathogens
found in surface
0-0.9
0-0.6
16.1 - greater
than 2419.6
25.6-1553.1
waters throughout the
United States
Human and animal
fecal waste.
Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in surface water throughout the United States. Although filtration removes
Cryptosporidium, the most commonly-used filtration methods cannot guarantee 100 percent removal. Our monitoring indicates the
presence of these organisms in our source water. Current test methods do not allow us to determine if the organisms are dead or if they
are capable of causing disease. Ingestion of Cryptosporidium may cause cryptosporidiosis, an abdominal infection. Symptoms of the
infection include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Most healthy individuals can overcome the disease within a few weeks.
However, immuno-compromised people, infants and small children, and the elderly are at greater risks of developing life-threatening
illness. We encourage immuno-compromised individuals to consult their doctor regarding appropriate precautions to take to avoid
infection. Cryptosporidium must be ingested to cause disease, and it may be spread through means other than drinking water.
UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS FOR WHICH EPA REQUIRES MONITORING
ND -0.135
320-430
ND - 0.24
0.047-0.12
Contaminant
Little Falls WTP Effluent (Range of Results)
NJDWSC's Wanaque WTP Effluent (Range of Results)
1,4-Dioxane, ppb
Chlorate, ppb
Chromium (Total), ppb
Hexavalent Chromium, ppb
Strontium, ppb
140-150
Testosterone, ppb
ND - 0.00097
Vanadium, ppb
ND -0.31
ND
36-95
ND - 0.36
ND - 0.035
40-46
ND
ND
Unregulated contaminants are those for
which EPA has not established drinking
water standards. The purpose of unregulated
contaminant monitoring is to assist EPA in
determining the occurrence of unregulated
contaminants in drinking water and whether
future regulation is warranted.
ADDITIONAL PVWC TREATMENT PLANT MONITORING RESULTS
Contaminant
Perchlorate, pbb
Little Falls WTP Intake Little Falls WTP Effluent
A Sure Safe Supply
ND
0.12
The data presented in this table presents PVWC data collected in 2013 as part of a study to determine the general occurrence of
perchlorate. Currently, there is no drinking water standard for perchlorate to compare the results to and thus they are presented
for informational purpose only. PVWC continues to participate in and support these types of regulatory and research efforts to
maintain a position of leadership in drinking water supply.
The Township of West Caldwell bulk purchases our water from the Passaic Valley Water Commission. Passaic Valley Water
Commission's (PVWC) Little Falls Water Treatment Plant treats surface water diverted from the Passiac and Pompton rivers, or Point
View Reservoir. Treated water is then blended with treated water obtained from the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission's
(NJDWSC) Treatment Plant. Water is then pumped through underground pipes to West Caldwell. Emergency interconnections with
other water purveyors exist throughout the distribution system. The Township of West Caldwell Water Department is commited to
providing to our customers a safe, sure supply of water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Health Note
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised
persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with
HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These
people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means
to lessen the risk of infections by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the EPA Safe Drinking
Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
Does West Caldwell Test for Asbestos?
Under a waiver issued by the State (NJDEP), the Township of West Caldwell does not have to monitor for asbestos because the State
has determined that West Caldwell's system is not considered susceptible to asbestos contamination. The State has determined that
monitoring and testing for asbestos is not required at this time.
4