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2015 Consumer Confidence Report

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Executive Summary

This document is the 2015 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for the West Caldwell Township Water Utility, covering the 2014 calendar year. It details the water quality and testing results, demonstrating compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) standards. The report outlines the sources of water, contaminants tested, and provides contact information for inquiries and further information regarding water quality and safety.

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--- Document: 2015 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 2015!
West Caldwell's Drinking Water News
Water is an important element in our lives. Did you
know that water makes up 65% of our bodies?
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 surpasses
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 drinking
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 annual
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.
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Water Quality Table
During 2014, 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
MCL
Plant Effluent Sample Results
Typical Source
PWS ID
NJ1605002
PVWC
PWS ID
NJ1613001
NJDWSC
Turbidity (NTU)
Yes
NA
TT=1
0.26 (0.08-0.26)
Yes
NA
TT-percentage of
samples <0.3 NTU
(min 95% required)
100%
0.28
100%
Soil runoff.
Total Organic Carbon (%) Yes
NA
TT= % removal;
or removal ratio
Percent (%)
Removal
Removal
Naturally present
Ratio
in the environment.
52-72
1.0-1.22
(25-45 required)
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Barium (ppm)
Yes
2
2
0.035 (0.017 0.035)
0.013
Discharge of drilling wastes;
discharge from metal refineries;
erosion of natural deposits.
Fluoride (ppm)
Yes
4
4
0.10 (0.07-0.10)
0.112
Erosion of natural deposits.
Nickel (ppb)
NA
NA
NA
3.4 (1.8-3.4)
ND
Erosion of natural deposits.
Nitrate (ppm)
Yes
10
10
3.8 (0.55-3.8)
0.32
Runoff from fertilizer use;
Leaching from septic tanks, sewage;
Erosion of natural deposits.
ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
HIGHEST RESULT
Methyl tert-butyl
Yes
NA
70
ND
0.16
ether, ppb
By-products of industrial
petroleum production.
PRIMARY
Compliance MCLG
MCL
Distribution Systems Samples
Typical Source
CONTAMINANTS
Achieved
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Total Coliform Bacteria (%) Yes
0
5% of monthly
0
samples are positive.
Fecal Coliform or E.coli Yes
0
0
0
Naturally present in the environment.
Human and animal fecal waste.
Bacteria (#)
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Highest LRAA
Haloacetic Acids
Yes
NA
60
28.11 (Range 10.19 - 45.09)
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
(HAA5) (ppb)
Total Trihalomethanes
Yes
NA
80
64.52 (Range 54.8 - 77.7)
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
1.75
LEAD AND COPPER
Copper (ppm)
Yes
MCLG Action Level
1.3
1.3
90th Percentile
0.075
Lead (ppb)
Yes
0
15
2
DETECTED UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS - UCMR3 DATA
Contaminant
Chlorate, ppb
Chromium-6, ppb
Strontium, ppb
PVWC Little Falls WTP
Average (Range of Results)
117 (93-140)
0.0765 (0.06-0.093)
86 (76-96)
2
Water additive used to control microbes.
Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; Erosion of natural deposits;
Leaching from wood perseveratives.
Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; Erosion of natural deposits.
Unregulated contaminants are those for which
EPA requires monitoring but 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.
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 (PWS 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 customer is or will be consuming contaminated
water. The rating reflects the potential for contamination of source water, not the existence of contamination. Public water systems are required
to monitor for regulated contaminants and to install treatment if any contaminants 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
SECONDARY PARAMETERS - TREATMENT PLANT EFFLUENT
PVWC
NJDWSC
Key
Little Falls WTP
PWSID NJ1605002
Wanaque WTP
PWSID NJ1613001
N.J. Recommended
AL
Action Level
Contaminant
Upper Limit (RUL) Range of Results RUL Achieved
Result
RUL Achieved
CU
Color Unit
ABS/LAS, ppb
500
ND-180
Yes
23
Yes
MCL
Maximum Contaminant Level
Alkalinity, ppm
NA
40-98
NA
42
NA
MCLG
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
Aluminum, ppb
200
9.2-25
Yes
35
Yes
NA
Not Applicable
Chloride, ppm
250
91-214
Yes
74
Yes
ND
Not Detected
Color, CU
10
ND
Yes
2
Yes
ppb
Parts Per Billion - The equivalent of 1
Corrosivity
Non-Corrosive
Non-Corrosive
Yes
Non-Corrosive
Yes
Hardness (as CaCO3), ppm
250
84-200
Yes
72
Yes
second in 32 years
Hardness (as CaCO3),
ppm
15
5-12
Yes
4
Yes
grains/gallon
Parts Per Million - The equivalent of 1
second in 12 days
Iron, ppb
300
ND
Yes
12
Yes
pCi/L Picocuries per liter - The equivalent
Manganese, ppb
50
6-18
Yes
ND
Yes
of 1 second in 32 million years
Odor, TON
3
5
No
ND
Yes
NTU
Nephleometric Trubidity Unit
pH (optimum range)
6.5 to 8.5
7.8-8.1
Yes
8.31
Yes
ΤΟΝ
Threshold Odor Number
Sodium, ppm
50
47-171
No*
40
Yes
TT
Treatment Technique
Sulfate, ppm
250
40-104
Yes
10
Yes
RAA
Running Annual Average
Total Dissolved Solids, ppm
500
275-560
No
198
Yes
LRAA
Locational Running Annual Average
Zinc, ppb
5,000
2-8
Yes
ND
Yes
RUL
Recommended Upper Limit
*PVWCS FINISHED WATER EXCEEDS SODIUM RUL
PVWCs finished water was above New Jersey's Recommended Upper Limit (RUL) of 50 ppm for sodium in 2014. Possible sources of sodium include
natural soil runoff, roadway salt runoff, upstream wastewater treatment plants, and a contribution coming from chemicals used in the water treatment
process. 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 a concern to individuals on a sodium-restricted diet. If you have any concerns,
please contact your health care provider.
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.
A Sure Safe 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 Passaic 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 committed to providing to our customers a safe, sure supply of water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
3
DEFINITIONS of TERMS and ACRONYMS
ABS/LAS - Alkylbenzene Sulfonate and Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (surfactants).
Disinfection By-product Precursors - A common source is naturally-occurring organic material in surface water. Disinfection by-products are formed
when the disinfectants (usually chlorine) used to kill pathogens react with dissolved organic material (DBP precursors) present in surface water.
Location Running Annual Average (LRAA)
specific location.
The annual average taken from the present month going back twelve months for a
MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level; the highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that the
addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
MRDLG - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal; 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 disinfectants to control microbial contamination.
Primary Standards - Federal drinking water regulations for substances that are health-related. Water suppliers must meet all primary drinking water
standards.
PWS ID - Public Water System identification.
Radioactive Contaminants/Radionuclides - Radioactive substances that are both naturally occurring and man-made may be present in source water
naturally or as a result of oil and gas production and mining activities. Examples include radium, radon and uranium.
Radon - Colorless, odorless, cancer-causing gas that occurs naturally in the environment.
RUL Achieved - A "YES" entry indicates the State-recommended upper limit was not exceeded. A "NO" entry indicates that State-recommended upper
limit was exceeded.
Running Annual Average (RAA) - The annual average taken from the present month going back twelve months.
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 recommendations, not mandates.
Detected Substances
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 drinking water is pri-
marily 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 presence 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.
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