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2021 Consumer Confidence Report

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Executive Summary

The West Caldwell Water Utility provides its annual Consumer Confidence Report, assuring residents that their tap water meets or exceeds all health and safety standards set by the EPA and NJDEP. The water is purchased from the Passaic Valley Water Commission, which regularly tests water samples to ensure safety standards are met. The report includes water quality test results, detected contaminants, and information on potential health effects, emphasizing the utility's commitment to delivering safe and healthful water to the community. A TTHM MCL exceedance occurred during the 3rd quarter monitoring period at our 42 Fairfield Avenue site. The LRAA was 82.98 ppb, which surpassed the MCL of 80. Public notification was made, and a preventative flushing program was implemented. The 4th quarter sample results for that site brought our LRAA to 74.03, which brought us back to compliance.

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--- Document: 2021 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 2021!
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 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 2020, 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.
2020 Water Quality Results - Table of Detected Contaminants
2020 Water Quality Results - Table of Detected Contaminants
Turbidity is a measure of the cloudines of the water and is monitored as an indicator of water quality. High turbidity can limit the effectiveness of disinfectants.
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 infection by Cryptosporidium and other 
microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
Regulated 
Contaminant 
(units)
PRIMARY
CONTAMINANTS
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS 
Compliance
Achieved 
MCLG 
MCL 
Typical Source
Distribution Systems Samples 
Turbidity (NTU)
Total Organic 
Carbon (%) 
Barium (ppm) 
Bromate (ppm) 
Fluoride (ppm)  
Nickel (ppb)   
Radium (pCi/L)    
Nitrate (ppm) 
Total Coliform Bacteria (%)	
Yes	
         0	
	
5% of monthly  	
	
0	
    	
Naturally present in the environment.
	
	
	
	
	
          samples are positive.	
	
Fecal Coliform or E.coli	
Yes	
         0	
                         0	
	
	
0	
	
Human and animal fecal waste.
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS	
	
	
	
	
      Highest LRAA
Haloacetic Acids	
	
Yes	
       NA	
                        60	
            34.1 (Range 19.71-34.1)	
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
(HAA5) (ppb)
Total Trihalomethanes 	
No	
       NA	
                        80	
          82.98 (Range 43.78-82.98)	
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
(TTHM) (PPB)
Discharge of drilling 
wastes; discharge from 
metal refineries; erosion 
of natural deposits. 
By-product of drinking 
water disinfection 
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. 
NA
NA
4
NA
0
10
10 
4
NA
5
10
NA
ND
ND
ND
(2014 Data)
0.154 
NA
Treatment
Technique
(TT) =  1NTU
TT=%
removal or
Removal Ratio 
% Removal 
55-82 
(25 - 50 required)
(0,8-1.1) 
Removal Ratio 
Naturally present in the 
environment. 
TT=% of
sample <0.3
NTU
(min 95%)
Highest Level Detected and Range
(Low-High)
Lowest Monthly Percentage of Samples
Meeting Turbidity Limits
0.266
(0.021 - 0.266)
100%
0.9
(0.01 - 0.9)
Soil run-off
No
No
2
2
0.026
(0.016-0.026)
6.98
(<5.0-6.98) 
0.050 
(ND-0.05)  
3.40  
(1.96-3.40)   
ND   
(2014 Data)    
2.14 
(0.59-2.14)    
0.0078 
No
No
No
No
No
No
99.1%
Goal (MCLG)
Highest Level 
Allowed (MCL)
PVWC
Little Falls_WTP
PWSID NJ1605002
NJDWSC
Wanaque-WTP PWSID
NJ1613001
Source of Substance
Violation?
2


DISINFECTANTS	 	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Highest Result 
Chlorine (ppm)	
	
	
Yes	
MRDLG=4 	
MRDL=4	 	
2.00	
	
Water additive used to control microbes.
LEAD AND COPPER 	
	
	
MCLG	
	
Action Level	
90th Percentile
Copper (ppm)	
	
	
Yes	
1.3	
	
1.3	
	
0.2046
DETECTED UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS - UCMR3 DATA
Lead (ppb)	
	
	
Yes 	
0	
	
15	
	
10.55
Contaminant 
PVWC Little Falls-WTP
PWSID NJ1605002  
Chlorate (ppb)	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
1,4-Dioxane (ppb)	 	
	
	
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid [PFBS] (ppt)	
Perfluoroheptanoic acid [PFHp/A] (ppt)	 	
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid [PFHxS] (ppt)	
Perfluorohexanoic [PFHxA] (ppt)	
	
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS] (ppt)	
Perfluorooctanoic Acid [PFOA] (ppt)  	
	
Test results presented in this table were collected in 2020 to monitor 
the occurance of emerging contaminants. There are currently no EPA 
drinking water standard for these contaminants.
Results 
ADDITIONAL PVWC TREATMENT PLAN MONITORING RESULTS
Treated Drinking Water at the Entry Point to the Distribution System 
Corrosion of household plumbing 
systems; Erosion of natural deposits; 
Leaching from wood perseveratives. 
Corrosion of household plumbing 
systems; Erosion of natural deposits.
218.3
(121.2-344.9)
ND- 0.243
<2.0-3.1
<2.0-3.1
<2.0-2.1
3.1-8.6
2.9-4.4
4.8-7.6
PVWC monitors for the presence of perfluorochemicals in source water and 
finished drinking water monthly.
The NJDEP has formally established MCLs for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) 
and Perfluoroocanesulfonic acid (PFOS) of 14 ppt and 13 ppt respectively.
These rules were effective January 1, 2021. The results observed in 2021 were 
below the NJDEP newly established MCL.
Source Water Assessment 
NJDEP has prepared_ Source Water Assessment reports and summaries for all public water systems. The Source Water Assessment 
for the PVWC system (PWS ID 1605002) and the North Jersey District Water Supply Commisison (NJDWSC) (PWS ID 1613001) can 
be found online at the NJDEP’s source water assessment website-http://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply/ swap/index.html or by contacting 
NJDEP’s Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at 609-292-5550 or watersupply@dep.nj.gov.
 
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 a source water, not the existence of contamination. Public water systems 
are required to monitor for regulated contaminants and to install treatment if any of those contaminants are detected at frequencies 
and concentrations above allowable levels. The source water assessments performed on the intakes for each system list the following 
susceptibility ratings for a variety of contaminants that may be present in source waters: 
3
Monitoring Period (2020)
A TTHM MCL exceedance occurred during the 3rd quarter monitoring period at our 42 Fairfield Avenue site. The LRAA 
was 82.98 ppb, which surpassed the MCL of 80. Public notification was made, and a preventative flushing program was 
implemented. The 4th quarter sample results for that site brought our LRAA to 74.03, which brought us back to compliance.
Some people who drink water containing trihalomethane in excess of the MCL over many years may experience 
problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increase risk of getting cancer.
Location Running Annual Average (LRAA) results
Violation of an MCL for TTHM
Site 1 Quarterly Results
Site 1- LRAA*
Site 2 Quarterly Results
Site 2 - LRAA*
Site 3 Quarterly Results
Site 3 - LRAA*
Site 4 Quarterly Results
Site 4 - LRAA*
31.2
49.1
32.7
46.9
32.1
43.8
56.8
68.9
459 Passaic Avenue
61 McKinlay Avenue
30 Clinton Road
42 Fairfield Place
TTHM
System (ppb)
80
NA
83.0
(Highest LRAA 
at Site 4)
31.2-109.0
2020
Yes
Byproduct of drinking 
water disinfection
47.5
53.8
43.0
50.1
48.0
48.3
66.6
71.8
90.7
63.6
81.0
58.9
83.5
55.9
109.0
83.0
37.4
51.8
39.3
49.0
42.3
51.5
63.7
74.0
*Reported LRAA for quarters 1-3 are based on results from previous quarters not reported on this table.
Toatal Trihalomethane
Monitoring Results
(in ppb)
Monitoring
MCL
MCLG
Your Water
Range
Violation
Sample Year
Typical Source
Location
1st Quarter
2020
2nd Quarter
2020
3rd Quarter
2020
4th Quarter
2020


Cryptosporidium 
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 viable or 
capable of causing disease. Ingestion of Cryptosporidium 
may cause cryptosporidiosis, an abdominal infection. 
Symptoms of 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 
risk 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 spread 
through means other than drinking water. 
PVWC regularly samples source water for Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The data collected in 2020 is presented in the table above.
Source Water Pathogen Monitoring
Contaminant
Cryptosporidium
(Oocysts/L)
0.0 - 0.09
Microbial pathogens found 
in surface waters throughout 
the United States. 
Giardia
(Cysts/L)
0.0 - 0.83
Results for PVWC
Plant Intake
Typical source
“PVWC’s finished water was above New Jersey’s Recommended Upper Limit (RUL). 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.
4
Treated Drinking Water at the Entry Point to the Distribution System  (Continued)
50
11.5-25.5
YES
5.3
YES
3
2-100
NO
<1
YES
6,5 to 8.5
(optimum range) 
7.6-8.4
YES
8.05
YES
50
46.1-94.8
NO*
23.4
YES
250
44.7-87.8
YES
7.54
YES
500
301-510
NO
104
YES
5000
1.9-3.7
YES
13
YES
Manganese (ppb)
Odor (Threshold Odor Number) 
pH 
Sodium (ppm) 
Sulfate (ppm) 
Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)  
Zinc (ppb) 
Treated Drinking Water at the Entry Point to the Distribution System 
Intake Susceptibility Rating
Sources
PVWC Surface 
Water (4 intakes)
(4) High
(5) High
(4) High
(5) High
(1) Medium
(3) Low
(2) Medium
(3) Low
(4) Medium
(5) Medium
(4) High
(5) High
(4) Low
(5) Low
(4) Low
(5) Low
(4) High
(5) High
NJDWSC 
 (5 intakes)
Pathogens 
Nutrients 
Pesticides 
Volatile
Organic
Compounds
Inorganic
Contaminants Radionuclides 
Radon
Disinfection
Byproduct
Precursors 
2020 Water Quality Results - Table of Detected Secondary Parameters
Contaminant 
Alkylbenzene Sulfonate [ABS]/Linear 
Alkylbenzene Sulfonate [LAS] (ppb
500
90-120
YES
ND
YES
NA
47-79
NA
39
NA
200
12.8-32.4
YES
77
YES
250
92.2-138.1
YES
47.2
250
10
<5
YES
2
YES
<1
ND
YES
0.012
YES
250
88-178
YES
53
YES
300
<100
YES
104
YES
Range of 
Results
Range of 
Results
RUL Achieved?
RUL Achieved?
Alkalinity (ppm) 
Aluminum (ppb) 
Chloride (ppm) 
Color (color units) 
Copper (ppm) 
Hardness, CaCO3 (ppm) 
Iron (ppb)
NJ
Recommended
Limit(RUL) Upper 
PVWC 
Little Falls-WTP 
PWSID NJ1605002 
NJDWSC 
Wanaque-WTP
PWSID NJ1613001 


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).
Action Level - The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system 
must follow 
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.
MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL (MCL) - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close 
to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology
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 allowed for a margin of safety.
If a system had detected contaminant that is regulated by an Action Level (AL) of Treatment Technique (TT), the CCR must include the 
following definitions, in their entirety, for AL and TT even if the AL or TT was not exceeded: Were the required definitions include in the 
CCR?
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.
Treatment Technique - A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
5


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:
 
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.
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.
 
•	 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.
6