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2022 Consumer Confidence Report

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Executive Summary

This is the 2022 Consumer Confidence Report for the West Caldwell Township Water Utility. The report details the water quality for the year 2021, confirming that the water met all safety standards set by the EPA and NJDEP. West Caldwell purchases its water from the Passaic Valley Water Commission, which regularly tests water samples to ensure safety standards are met. The report includes a table of detected contaminants and information on source water assessments, as well as definitions of terms and acronyms related to water quality.

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--- Document: 2022 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 2022! 
West Caldwell’s Drinking Water News 
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. 
Water is an important element in our lives. Did you  
know that water makes up 65% of our bodies?  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. 


2 
Water Quality Table 
During 2021, 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. 
2021 Water Quality Results - Table of Detected Contaminants 
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) 
Goal (MCLG) 
Highest Level 
Allowed (MCL) 
PVWC 
Little Falls-WTP 
PWSID NJ1605002 
NJDWSC 
Wanaque-WTP PWSID 
NJ1613001 
Source of Substance 
Violation? 
2021 Water Quality Results - Table of Detected Contaminants 
Turbidity (NTU) 
NA 
Treatment 
Technique 
(TT) = 1NTU 
Highest Level Detected 
Range (Low-High) 
Soil run-off 
No 
0.275 
(0.029-0.275) 
0.5 
 (0.01 - 
0.5) 
NA 
TT=% of 
sample <0.3 
NTU 
(Min 95%) 
Lowest Monthly Percentage of Samples 
Meeting Turbidity Limits 
100% 
99.99% 
Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water and is monitored as an indicator of water quality. High turbidity can limit the effectiveness of disinfectants. 
Total Organic  
Carbon (%)  
NA 
TT=% 
removal or 
Removal Ratio  
% Removal  
Removal Ratio  
Naturally present in the 
environment.  
No 
51-82  
(25 - 50 required) 
RAA: 1.1 
33-48% Removal Range 
Removal Ratio Range 0.9-1.4  
Barium (ppm)  
2 
2 
0.023 
(0.014-0.023) 
0.0095  
Discharge of drilling wastes; 
discharge from  
metal refineries; erosion of 
natural deposits.  
No 
Bromate (ppb)  
NA 
10  
0.94  
(<5.0-16.17) 
ND 
By-product of drinking 
water disinfection  
No 
Fluoride (ppm)   
4 
4 
<0.05  
(ND-0.05)   
ND 
Erosion of natural 
deposits.  
No 
Nickel (ppb)   
NA 
NA 
2.8   
(1.48-2.80)    
ND 
Erosion of natural 
deposits.  
No 
Nitrate (ppm)  
10 
10 
1.06 
(0.51-1.68) 
0.26  
Runoff from fertilizer use; 
leaching from septic 
tanks, sewage; erosion of 
natural deposits. 
No 
Radium (pCi/L)     
0 
5 
<1 
(2014 Data) 
<1 
(2014 Data) 
Erosion of natural 
deposits.  
No 
Perfluorooctanesulfonic 
acid (PFOS) (ppt) 
 
0 
13* 
 
4.86 HRAA 
(3.4-6.6) 
 
 
2.84** 
Metal plating and 
finishing, discharge from 
industrial facilities, 
aqueous film-forming 
(firefighting) foam 
No 
Perflourooctanoic acid 
(PFOA) (ppt) 
0 
14* 
 
7.9 HRAA 
(5.5-11) 
 
3.6** 
       Metal plating and 
finishing, discharge 
from industrial 
facilities, aqueous 
film-forming 
(firefighting) foam 
No 
*MCL created by the state of New Jersey. Currently there is no federal MCL for perfluorinated compounds. 
**These values are taken from NJ Drinking Water Watch. 
 
 
 
 
 


3 
PRIMARY 
Compliance 
MCLG  
MCL  
Distribution Systems Samples Typical Source 
CONTAMINANTS 
Achieved  
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS  
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  
(HAA5) (ppb) 
                       60              25.98 (Range 18.49-25.98)  
By-product of drinking water disinfection. 
Total Trihalomethanes 
(TTHM) (ppb)                           Yes 
       NA  
                       
                        80            71.35 (Range 36.50-71.35)  
By-product of drinking water disinfection. 
 
Monitoring Period 2021 
Location Running Annual Average (LRAA) results 
 
Total Trihalomethane 
Monitoring Results 
(in ppb) 
Location 
1st Quarter 
2021 
2nd Quarter 
2021 
3rd Quarter 
2021 
4th Quarter 
2021 
Site 1 Quarterly Results 
459 Passaic Avenue 
35.0 
31.9 
61.1 
38.0 
Site 1- LRAA* 
68.6 
59.9 
47.9 
41.5 
Site 2 Quarterly Results 
61 McKinley Avenue 
36.8 
33.6 
58.0 
29.6 
Site 2 - LRAA* 
50.0 
47.7 
41.9 
39.5 
Site 3 Quarterly Results 
30 Clinton Road 
34.0 
36.3 
45.7 
30.0 
Site 3 - LRAA* 
51.9 
49.0 
39.6 
36.5 
Site 4 Quarterly Results 
42 Fairfield Place 
46.1 
41.9 
60.8 
40.6 
Site 4 - LRAA* 
71.4 
65.2 
53.1 
47.4 
*Reported LRAA for quarters 1-3 are based on results from previous quarters not reported on this table. 
 
DISINFECTANTS  
  
  
  
  
 
  
Highest Result  
Chlorine (ppm)  
  
  
Yes  
MRDLG=4   
MRDL=4   
1.97 
(Range 0.63-1.97) 
Water additive used to control microbes.
 
LEAD AND COPPER  
  
  
MCLG  
  
Action Level  
90th Percentile 
Copper (ppm)  
  
  
Yes  
     1.3  
  
DETECTED UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS - UCMR3 DATA 
Lead (ppb)  
  
  
Yes  
        0  
                 
     1.3  
  
 
      15 
  
    0.072 
     0.77 
Corrosion of household plumbing 
systems; Erosion of natural deposits; 
Leaching from wood preservatives. 
Corrosion of household plumbing 
systems; Erosion of natural deposits 
 
ADDITIONAL PVWC TREATMENT PLAN MONITORING RESULTS 
Contaminant  
PVWC Little Falls-WTP 
PWSID NJ1605002   
Test results presented in this table were collected in 2021 to monitor 
the occurrence of emerging contaminants. There are currently no EPA 
drinking water standards for these contaminants. 
Range of Results  
Treated Drinking Water at the Entry Point to the Distribution System  
Chlorate (ppb)  
115.5-305 
1,4-Dioxane (ppb) 
  
N/D 
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid [PFBS] (ppt)  
<2.0-3.6 
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. 
Perfluoroheptanoic acid [PFHp/A] (ppt)   
<2.0-3.9 
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid [PFHxS] (ppt)  
<2.0-3.0 
Perfluorohexanoic [PFHxA] (ppt)  
  
3.1-8.4 
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS] (ppt)  
3.4-6.6 
Perfluorooctanoic Acid [PFOA] (ppt)  
  
5.5-11.0 


4 
Source Water Assessment  
NJDEP has prepared the 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 Commission (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:  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intake Susceptibility Rating 
 
Sources 
Pathogens 
Nutrients 
Pesticides 
Volatile 
Organic 
Compounds 
Inorganic 
Contaminants Radionuclides 
Radon 
Disinfection 
Byproduct 
Precursors 
PVWC Surface 
Water (4 intakes) 
(4) High 
(4) High 
(1) Medium 
(3) Low 
(4) Medium 
(4) High 
(4) Low 
(4) Low 
(4) High 
NJDWSC 
(5 intakes) 
(5) High 
(5) High 
(2) Medium 
(3) Low 
(5) Medium 
(5) High 
(5) Low 
(5) Low 
(5) High 
2021 Water Quality Results - Table of Detected Secondary Parameters 
Contaminant 
NJ 
Recommended 
Limit (RUL) Upper 
PVWC 
Little Falls-WTP 
PWSID NJ1605002 
NJDWSC 
Wanaque-WTP 
PWSID NJ1613001 
Range of Results 
RUL Achieved? 
Range of Results 
RUL Achieved? 
Treated Drinking Water at the Entry Point to the Distribution System  
Alkylbenzene Sulfonate [ABS]/Linear 
Alkylbenzene Sulfonate [LAS] (ppb) 
500 
25-90 
YES 
<50 
YES 
Alkalinity (ppm) 
N/A 
45.0-67.5 
N/A 
49.6 
N/A 
Aluminum (ppb) 
200 
15.1-43.7 
YES 
38.1 
YES 
Chloride (ppm) 
250 
89.71-100.7 
YES 
51.2 
YES 
Color (color units) 
<10 
<5 
YES 
2 
YES 
Copper (ppm) 
<1 
0.68-1.06 
NO 
0.013 
YES 
Hardness, CaCO3 (ppm) 
250 
86-148 
YES 
52 
YES 
Iron (ppb) 
300 
<100 
YES 
104 
YES 
Treated Drinking Water at the Entry Point to the Distribution System (Continued) 
Manganese (ppb) 
50 
2.69-17.97 
YES 
3.7 
YES 
Odor (Threshold Odor Number)  
3 
1-20 
NO 
<1 
YES 
pH  
6.5 to 8.5 
(optimum range) 
8.03-8.58 
NO 
7.98 
YES 
Sodium (ppm)  
50 
42.33-96.5 
NO* 
29.4 
YES 
Sulfate (ppm)  
250 
42.1-55.6 
YES 
7.78 
YES 
Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)   
500 
279.5-354.5 
NO 
170 
YES 
Zinc (ppb) 
5000 
1.04-5.06 
YES 
<10 
YES 
“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. 


5 
 
 
 
 
Cryptosporidium  
Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in surface water throughout the United States. Although filtration removes  
Cryptosporidium, the most 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 2021 is presented in the table above. 
Violations from 2021 
Violation 2021-414; WC Water failed to complete 1 set of bi-weekly monitoring samples for pH and Orthophosphate between 6/18/2021 through 7/1/2021 
at the point of entry. WC Water will conduct follow-up water quality parameter monitoring during two consecutive 6-month monitoring periods beginning 
July 1st, 2022, in accordance with 40 CFR 141.87(c). 
Violation 2021-413; WC Water failed to complete 10 of 20 biannual samples for pH, Orthophosphate, and Alkalinity between 3/26/2021 through 
7/1/2021 in the distribution system. WC Water will conduct follow-up water quality parameter monitoring during two consecutive 6-month monitoring 
periods beginning July 1st, 2022, in accordance with 40 CFR 141.87(c). 
We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether 
or not your drinking water meets health standards. We did not complete all monitoring and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of your drinking water 
at that time. Please share this information with all the other people that drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly. 
 
 
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. West Caldwell has been granted SOC waivers in prior years and expects to receive a waiver for the current compliance period 
upon NJDEP determination in 2022. 
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 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. 
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - 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. 
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level 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 disinfectants to control microbial contamination. 
Source Water Pathogen Monitoring 
Contaminant 
Results for PVWC Plant 
Intake 
Typical source 
Cryptosporidium 
(Oocysts/L) 
N/D 
Microbial pathogens found in 
surface waters throughout 
the United States.  
Giardia 
(Cysts/L) 
0.0 - 0.46 


6 
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. 
What About Bottled Water? 
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.  
• 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. 
• Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of 
sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and 
residential uses. 
  
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water 
provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration 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’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791. 
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. Call us at 973-226-2300 to 
find out how to get your water tested for lead. Testing is essential because you cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water.