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2019 Consumer Confidence Report

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Executive Summary

This document is the 2019 Consumer Confidence Report for the West Caldwell Township Water Utility in New Jersey. It provides information on the quality of drinking water supplied to residents during the year 2018. The report states that West Caldwell purchases its water from the Passaic Valley Water Commission and that the water meets or surpasses all health and safety standards set by the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The report includes a water quality table comparing the quality of West Caldwell's drinking water to EPA and NJDEP standards, and also addresses the presence of lead and other contaminants. Residents with questions about the report or their water service are encouraged to contact the West Caldwell Water Utility at (973) 226-2300 or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. The report also informs that meetings are open to the public and schedules can be obtained from the Office of the Township Clerk.

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--- Document: 2019 Consumer Confidence Report Document ---
West Caldwell Township
Water Utility
30 Clinton Road
West Caldwell, NJ 07006
Your Tap Water Makes the
Grade For The Year 2019!
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 reg-
ularly 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 Drink-
ing Water Quality Reports to customers on an annual ba-
sis. This Drinking Water Quality Report provides import-
ant 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 ser-
vice. 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 begin
at 7:15pm. All meetings are open to the public. Schedules
of the Council meetings can be obtained from the Office
of the Township Clerk or visiting the Township calendar.
1
Water Quality Table
During 2018, 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
Water Treatment Plant Result
NJDWSC
MCL
PVWC
Typical Source
Little Falls WTP
PWS ID NJ1605002
Wanaque WTP
PWS ID NJ 1613001
Highest Results
TURBIDITY AND TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON
(Range of Results)
Highest Results
(Average)
Turbidity (NTU)*
Yes
NA
TT=1
0.36 (0.0210.36)
0.41 (0.06 average)
Yes
NA
TT-percentage of
Lowest Monthly Percentage of Samples
Soil runoff.
samples <0.3 NTU
Meeting the Turbidity Limits
(min 95% required)
99.97%
99.9%
Total Organic
Carbon, %
*Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water, and is monitored as an indcator of water quality. High turbidity
can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants.
Yes
NA
TT= % removal;
Percent (%)
or removal ratio
Removal
Removal
Ratio
49-80
(35-50 required)
1.1 (RAA)
(1.0-1.3)
Naturally present
Highest Result (Range of Results)
Less than 0.10
0.080 (ND -0.080)
2.39 (ND-2.39)
0.0145
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Barium, ppm
Yes
2
2
Fluoride, ppm
Yes
4
4
Nickel, ppb
NA
NA
NA
Nitrate, ppm
Yes
10
10
(ND - 3.26)
Selenium, ppb
Yes
50
50
Less than 2
ND
PRIMARY
Compliance MCLG
MCL
CONTAMINANTS
Achieved
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Total Coliform Bacteria (%) Yes
0
5% of monthly
samples are positive.
Fecal Coliform or E.coli
Yes
0
0
Bacteria (#)
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS
Haloacetic Acids
Yes
NA
60
(HAA5) (ppb)
Total Trihalomethanes
Yes
NA
80
(TTHM) (ppb)
3.26
ND
ND
0.351
Distribution Systems Samples
0
0
Highest LRAA
24.28 (Range 17.7 - 28.01)
65.5 (Range 38.1 - 87.8)
in the environment.
Discharge of drilling wastes;
discharge from metal refineries;
erosion of natural deposits.
Erosion of natural deposits.
Erosion of natural deposits.
Runoff from fertilizer use;
leaching from septic tanks, sewage;
erosion of natural deposits.
Discharge from petroleum and
metal refineries; erosion of natural
deposits; discharge from mines.
Typical Source
Naturally present in the environment.
Human and animal fecal waste.
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
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
Chlorine (ppm)
LEAD AND COPPER
Copper (ppm)
Yes MRDLG=4
MRDL=4
Yes
MCLG
1.3
Action Level
1.3
DETECTED UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS - UCMR3 DATA
Lead (ppb)
Yes
0
15
ADDITIONAL PVWC TREATMENT PLAN MONITORING RESULTS
Detected Contaminants, ppb
Chlorate
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Little Falls WTP Effluent
Average (Range)
(102-475)
(0.0020 - 0.0051)
(0.0021-0.0049)
(0.0025-0.0053)
(0.0042 -0.012)
(ND - 0.0021)
(0.0049-0.012)
(0.0072-0.016)
Health advisory levels are non-enforceable and non-regulatory and provide technical information
to state agencies and other public health officials on health effects, analytical methodologies, and
treatment technologies associated with drinking water contamination.
Highest Result
2.60
90th Percentile
0.2046
10.55
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.
Test results presented in thie table were collected in 2018 as part of a study to
determine the general occurrence of these contaminants. PVWC continues
to participate in and support these types of regulatory and research efforts to
maintain a position of leadership in drinking water supply.
There are currently no EPA drinking water standards in effect for these
contaminants although EPA has established health advisory levels for some of
these to provide an estimate of acceptable drinking water levels based on health
effects information.
EPA has published Health Advisory levels for Perfluorooctanoic acid, (PFOA) and
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, (PFOS), of 0.070 parts per billion (ppb) combined.
The results observed in 2018 were below EPA established health advisory
levels.
NJDEP adopted a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.013 parts per billion
(ppb) for Perflouorononanoic acid (PFNA) in September 2018 and is considering a
maximum contaminant level of 0.014 ppb for PFOA.
2
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 sys-
tem lists the following susceptibility ratings as indicated in the tables below. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
INTAKE SUSCEPTIBILITY RATINGS
Disinfection
Intake
Pathogens
Nutrients
Pesticides
Volatile
Organic
Compounds
Inorganic
Contaminants
Radionuclides
Radon
Byproduct
Precursors
PVWC
4 - High
4 - High
4 Surface Water
1 - Medium
3-Low
4 - Medium
4 - High
4- Low
4- Low
4 - High
NJDWSC
5 - High
5 - High
5 Surface Water
2 - Medium
3- Low
5 - Medium
5 - High
5-Low
5-Low
5 - High
PVWC
NJDWSC
Key
Little Falls WTP
PWSID NJ1605002
Wanaque WTP
AL
Action Level
PWSID NJ1613001
CU
Color Unit
N.J.Recommended
Contaminant
Upper Limit (RUL) Range of Results UL Achieved
Result
RUL Achieved
MCL
Maximum Contaminant Level
AB/LAS, ppb
500
ND-150
Yes
ND
Yes
MCLG Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
Alkalinity, ppm
NA
40-70
NA
38
NA
NA
Aluminum, ppb
200
ND-39
Yes
60
Yes
ND
Not Applicable
Chloride, ppm
250
65-194
Yes
71
Yes
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
second in 32 years
Hardness (as CaCO3), ppm
250
92-160
Yes
52
Yes
ppm
Hardness (as CaCO3),
15
5-9
Yes
3
Yes
Parts Per Million - The equivalent of 1
second in 12 days
grains/gallon
pCi/L Picocuries per liter - The equivalent
Iron, ppb
300
Less than 100
Yes
12
Yes
of 1 second in 32 million years
Manganese, ppb
50
Less than 50
Yes
2
Yes
NTU
Nephleometric Trubidity Unit
Odor, TON
3
5-10
No
ND
Yes
ΤΟΝ
Threshold Odor Number
6.5 to 8.5
pH
7.7-8.4
Yes
8.0
Yes
(optimum range)
TT
Treatment Technique
Sodium, ppm
50
48-162
No*
40
Yes
RAA Running Annual Average
Sulfate, ppm
250
42-68
Yes
8
Yes
LRAA Locational Running Annual Average
Total Dissolved Solids, ppm
500
246-498
Yes
177
Yes
RUL
Recommended Upper Limit
Zinc, ppb
5,000
Less than 50
Yes
16
Yes
*PVWCS FINISHED WATER EXCEEDS SODIUM RUL
PVWCs finished water was above New Jersey's Recommended Upper Limit (RUL) of 50 ppm for sodium in 2018. 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.
Public Notification Required.
The Essex Fells System (PWS ID NJ 0706001) was required to perform Nitrate sampling, as part of their ongoing quarterly
program. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not their drinking water meets the state's health standards.
During 7/1/18 through 9/30/18 they did not monitor or test for Nitrate. Therefore, a Tier 3 Public notification was required by
them, and all systems potentially fed by them. They did draw the Nitrate sampling in October. The results ranged from 1.65 mg/l
to 3.00 mg/l, which were well within the acceptable limits of 10.00 ppm.
3
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.
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) - The annual average taken from the present month going back twelve months for a specific location.
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
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 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.
4