Start your 7-day free trial — unlock full access instantly.

Lead Closed

This opportunity is no longer accepting submissions.

West CaldwellGreen Risk

ClosedOperations & Maintenance

2023 Consumer Confidence Report

BID #: N/A

DUE: TBD

VALUE: TBD

100

Rating

Risk Rank

Green Risk

AI-Powered Lead Insights

Executive Summary

The West Caldwell Water Utility provides its annual Consumer Confidence Report, assuring residents that their tap water met or surpassed all health and safety standards set by the EPA and NJDEP in 2022. The utility purchases water from the Passaic Valley Water Commission, which regularly collects and tests water samples. The report details water quality testing results, detected contaminants, and potential sources, comparing them against established regulatory limits. Residents are encouraged to read the report and contact the utility with any questions.

Web Content

Automated discovery link found on West Caldwell website.

Document Text

--- Document: 2023 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 2023!

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? 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.
Water Quality Table
During 2022, 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.
2022 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.
Source of Substance
Vlolation?
Regulated
Goal
Contaminant (units) (MCLG)
Highest Level
Allowed (MCL)
NJDWSC
PVWC
Little Falls-WTP Wanaque-WTP PWSID
PWSID NJ1605002
NJ1613001
2022 Water Quality Results - Table of Detected Contaminants
Treatment
Technique
(TT) = 1NTU
Highest Level Detected
NA
Range (Low-High)
0.13
0.4
Turbidity (NTU)
(0.02-0.13)
(0.03-0.4)
Soil run-off
No
NA
TT=% of
sample <0.3
NTU
Lowest Monthly Percentage of Samples Meeting
Turbidity Limits
100%
99.98%
(Min 95%)
Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water and is monitored as an indicator of water quality. High turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants.
Total Organic
Carbon (%)
NA
TT=%
Removal or
% Removal
Removal Ratio
Removal Ratio
46.7-72.6
(25-45 required)
Naturally present in the
environment.
No
(0.9-1.4)
Discharge of drilling wastes;
discharge from
Barium (ppm)
2
2
0.016-0.027
0.00654
metal refineries; erosion of natural
deposits.
No
ND
By-product of drinking water
Bromate (ppb)
NA
10
No
ND
disinfection
Fluoride (ppm)
4
4
<0.05-0.05
ND
Erosion of natural deposits.
No
Nickel (ppb)
NA
NA
2.01-2.76
ND
Erosion of natural deposits.
No
Nitrate (ppm)
10
10
1.45
(0.71-2.76)
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching
from septic
ND
No
tanks, sewage; erosion of natural
deposits.
ND
ND
Erosion of natural deposits.
Radium (pCi/L)
0
5
No
(2014 Data)
(2014 Data)
Perfluorooctanesulfonic
acid (PFOS) (ppt)
5.37
0
13*
Highest running Annual
Average
(3.8-9.2)
3.63**
Metal plating and finishing,
discharge from industrial
facilities, aqueous film-forming
No
(firefighting) foam
Perflourooctanoic acid
8.38
4.38**
0
14*
(PFOA) (ppt)
Highest running annual
average
Metal plating and finishing,
discharge from industrial
facilities, aqueous film-forming
No
(firefighting) foam
(5.7-12.8)
*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.
2
PRIMARY
CONTAMINANTS
Compliance
Achieved
MCLG
MCL
Distribution Systems Samples Typical Source
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
Haloacetic Acids
(HAA5) (ppb)
Highest LRAA
Yes
NA
60
25.95 (Range 19.20-25.95)
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
Total Trihalomethanes
(TTHM) (ppb)
Yes
NA
80
59.00 (Range 27.30-59.00)
By-product of drinking water disinfection.
Total Trihalomethane
Monitoring Results
(in ppb)
Monitoring Period 2022
Location Running Annual Average (LRAA) results
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
Location
2022
2022
2022
2022
Site 1 Quarterly Results
32.90
31.20
59.00
57.30
459 Passaic Avenue
Site 1-LRAA*
40.98
40.80
40.28
45.10
Site 2 Quarterly Results
32.20
35.70
55.90
51.10
61 McKinley Avenue
Site 2-LRAA*
38.35
38.88
38.35
43.73
Site 3 Quarterly Results
27.30
34.20
46.90
55.30
Site 3-LRAA*
30 Clinton Road
34.83
34.30
34.60
40.93
Site 4 Quarterly Results
49.60
47.60
58.50
49.80
42 Fairfield Place
Site 4-LRAA*
48.23
49.65
49.08
45.10
*Reported LRAA for quarters 1-3 are based on results from previous quarters not reported on this table.
DISINFECTANTS
Chlorine (ppm)
Highest Result
Yes
MRDLG=4
MRDL=4
1.97
(Range 0.63-1.97)
90th Percentile
Water additive used to control microbes.
LEAD AND COPPER
MCLG
Action Level
Copper (ppm)
Yes
1.3
1.3
DETECTED UNREGULATED CONTAMINANTS - UCMR3 DATA
Lead (ppb)
Yes
0
0.072
(2021 data)
15
0.77
Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; Erosion of natural deposits;
Leaching from wood preservatives.
Corrosion of household plumbing
systems; Erosion of natural deposits
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.
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.
3
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
Volatile
Sources
Pathogens
Nutrients
Pesticides
Organic
Compounds
Inorganic
Contaminants
Radionuclides
Radon
Disinfection
Byproduct
Precursors
PVWC Surface
(4) High
(4) High
Water (4 intakes)
(1) Medium
(3) Low
(4) Medium
(4) High
(4) Low
(4) Low
(4) High
NJDWSC
(5) High
(5) High
(5 intakes)
(2) Medium
(3) Low
(5) Medium
(5) High
(5) Low
(5) Low
(5) High
Contaminant
2022 Water Quality Results - Table of Detected Secondary Parameters
PVWC
NJ
Recommended
Little Falls-WTP
PWSID NJ1605002
Limit (RUL) Upper
Range of Results RUL Achieved?
NJDWSC
Wanaque-WTP
PWSID NJ1613001
Range of Results RUL Achieved?
Treated Drinking Water at the Entry Point to the Distribution System
Alkylbenzene Sulfonate [ABS]/Linear
500
110-220
YES
<50
YES
Alkylbenzene Sulfonate [LAS] (ppb)
Alkalinity (ppm)
N/A
48.0-82.5
N/A
35.0
N/A
Aluminum (ppb)
200
17.4-29.3
YES
26.4
YES
Chloride (ppm)
250
101.8-158.2
YES
42.8
YES
Color (color units)
10
<5
YES
5.0
YES
Copper (ppm)
<1
0.00087-0.00742
YES
0.0141
YES
Hardness, CaCO3 (ppm)
250
90-168
YES
49.0
YES
Iron (ppb)
300
<100
YES
<200
YES
Manganese (ppb)*
50
9.2-18.8
YES
3.39
YES
Odor (Threshold Odor Number)
3
6-80
NO
<1
YES
6.5 to 8.5
7.77-8.24
YES
8.05
YES
pH
(optimum range)
Sodium (ppm)
50
62.8-135.6
NO2
28.6
YES
Sulfate (ppm)
250
37.8-89.3
YES
5.96
YES
Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)
500
262.5-487.5
YES
126
YES
Zinc (ppb)
5000
2.7-26
YES
<10
YES
* - The recommended upper limit for manganese is based on staining of laundry. Manganese is an essential nutrient, and toxicity is not
expected from high levels which would not be encountered in drinking water.
** - "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
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.
Source Water Pathogen Monitoring
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
Contaminant
Results for PVWC Plant
Intake
Typical source
Cryptosporidium
(Oocysts/L)
ND -0.28
Giardia
(Cysts/L)
ND - 1.64
Microbial pathogens found in
surface waters throughout
the United States.
may spread through means other than drinking water.
PVWC regularly samples source water for Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The data collected in 2022 is presented in the table above.
ADDITIONAL PVWC TREATMENT PLAN MONITORING RESULTS
PVWC Little Falls-WTP
PWSID NJ1605002
Contaminant
Test results presented in this table were collected in 2022 to monitor
the occurrence of emerging contaminants. There are currently no EPA
drinking water standards for these contaminants.
Results
Treated Drinking Water at the Entry Point to the Distribution System
Chlorate (ppb)
147.6-343.8
1,4-Dioxane (ppb)
<0.07-0.093
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid [PFBS] (ppt)
<1.76-2.4
PVWC monitors for the presence of perfluorochemicals in source water and
finished drinking water monthly
Perfluoroheptanoic acid [PFHp/A] (ppt)
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid [PFHxS] (ppt)
1.88-3.5
1.95-3.56
Perfluorohexanoic [PFHxA] (ppt)
2.59-8.99
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.
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.
• 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, 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.
5
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.
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.
Landlords must distribute this information to every tenant as soon as practicable, but no later than three business days after
receipt. Delivery must be done by hand, mail, or email, and by posting the information in a prominent location at the entrance
of each rental premises, pursuant to section 3 of P.L. 2021, c. 82 (С.58:12A-12.4 et seq.).
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.
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.
6