IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Third Total Trihalomethanes Maximum Contaminant Level Violation for

Passaic Valley Water Commission-High Crest Public Water System

High Crest Lake Community, West Milford, NJ

Posted April 17, 2012

Passaic Valley Water Commission-High Crest (PVWC-High Crest) Public Water System recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation.

The PVWC-High Crest Public Water System is supplied potable water that is purchased from the Butler Water Department. The Butler Water Department operates a surface water treatment plant that produces potable water from the Kakeout Reservoir.

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants, including disinfection byproducts such as total trihalomethanes (TTHM). The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for TTHM is 80 µg/L (one µg/L is approximately one part per billion). Compliance with the MCL is based on a running annual average (RAA). The RAA is calculated by averaging all samples collected in the system for the past 12 months. The RAA for the 1^st quarter of 2012 was equal to 87 µg/L which exceeds the MCL. This is the third consecutive MCL exceedance for this water system. The MCL was also exceeded in the 3^rd quarter of 2011, where the RAA was equal to 81 µg/L and in the 4^th quarter of 2011 where the RAA was equal to 89 µg/L. The RAA still exceeds the MCL because it includes data collected in the earlier part of the current twelve month monitoring period. The most recent monthly TTHM level was 53 µg/L, measured in March of 2012 which is well below the standard of 80 µg/L.

What should I do?

§ There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. If a situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, you will be notified within 24 hours.

§ If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.

What does this mean?

· This is not an emergency. If it had been an emergency, you would have been notified within 24 hours.

· TTHMs are four volatile organic chemicals which form when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter in the water.

· 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.

What is being done?

We are working with a professional engineering firm to assist us in evaluating methods to reduce the TTHM within the High Crest Public Water System.

PVWC’s engineering department is in the process of designing a treatment process for removal of TTHM within the High Crest Water System. Construction of this process is expected to be completed within the next 90 days.
Since the first MCL Exceedance occurred PVWC implemented continuous flushing of the High Crest distribution system to reduce water age. This will aid in the reduction of TTHM.

For more information, please contact our Customer Service Department at 973-340-4300 or customerservice@pvwc.com.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by PVWC-High Crest – Public Water System ID No. NJ1615003

Date distributed: April 15, 2012

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS CITIES OF PASSAIC, CLIFTON AND PATERSON

POSSIBLE DISCOLORED WATER AND LOW PRESSURE

Posted April 5, 2012

The Passaic Valley Water Commission will be performing repairs on water transmission mains at the intersection of Clifton Avenue and Main Avenue in Clifton that primarily services the cities of Clifton and Passaic. Please note that parking and access may be restricted for limited times at this location.

This work is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 9, 2012 and is anticipated to be completed on or about Friday, April 20, 2012. During this period of time, your water will be supplied through other transmission mains. This may produce discolored water and lowered water pressure at any time during the work period.

Passaic Valley Water Commission assures all customers that the water will be safe for use during this period; however, customers are cautioned to determine if the water is clear before washing clothes (or any other processing) as staining may occur.

PLEASE WATCH YOUR STEP

Our Contractor must dig in the street in order to make repairs to the water transmission mains. Please watch your step and ask your children not to play in the work areas.

INCONVENINECE IS TEMPORARY – IMPROVEMENT IS PERMANENT

We understand that this project may cause some inconvenience. We will make every effort to minimize the disturbance and will work closely with local police and officials to reduce traffic problems.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS

Please call our customer service number at (973) 340-4300 during regular working hours. During off hours and on the weekends, please call our contractor’s emergency contact number at 973-464-4350.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation. These improvements will help us to continue to give you dependable water service.

NOTICE TO PASSAIC CUSTOMERS

Posted March 22, 2012

The Passaic Valley Water Commission is committed to providing our customers with high quality water and service. As part of our on-going improvement program, we are cleaning, lining, testing and disinfecting approximately 21,700 linear feet of 6-inch, 8-inch and 12-inch diameter water mains along Burgess Place, Summer Street, Myrtle Avenue, Harrison Street, Passaic Street, Market Street, Third Street, Sixth Street and South Street. Please note that parking and access may be restricted for limited times at these locations.

The work will be performed in phases and it will take approximately 240 days to complete the entire project. We will make every effort to maintain your normal water service at all times. If your property is connected to the water main being replaced, you will receive water service through a temporary main.

Water service to all customers will be maintained throughout the project and will be safe for use. There may be, however, some unavoidable water discoloration and low pressure at any time during the project period. Customers are therefore cautioned to determine if the water is clear before washing clothes (or any other processing) as staining may occur.

PLEASE WATCH YOUR STEP

Our Contractor must dig in the street in order to install the underground water mains. Temporary mains will also be run along the curb. Please watch your step and ask your children not to play in the work areas.

INCONVENINECE IS TEMPORARY – IMPROVEMENT IS PERMANENT

We understand that this project may cause some inconvenience. We will make every effort to minimize the disturbance and will work closely with local police and officials to reduce traffic problems.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS

Please call our customer service number at (973) 340-4300 during regular working hours. During off hours and on the weekends, please call our contractor’s emergency contact number at 201-206-1794.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation. These improvements will help us to continue to give you dependable water service.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Second Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) MCL Violation at

Passaic Valley Water Commission-High Crest Public Water System

High Crest Lake Community, West Milford, NJ

Posted December 23, 2011

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results from January 2011 – December 2011 show that our system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for TTHM for the 4^th quarter of 2011. The standard for TTHM is 80 µg/L (one µg/L is approximately one part per billion) and is based on a running annual average which is determined by averaging all samples collected by our system for the last 12 months. The level of TTHM averaged at our system for January 2011 – December 2011 was 89 µg/L. You were notified in our October 27, 2011 mailing that the TTHM MCL was also exceeded for the 3^rd quarter of 2011.

What should I do?

What does this mean?

· This is not an emergency. If it had been an emergency, you would have been notified within 24 hours.

· TTHM are four volatile organic chemicals which form when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter in the water.

What is being done?

We are working with a professional engineering firm to assist us in evaluating methods to reduce the TTHM within the High Crest Public Water System.

We have completed a review of the treatment process used at the Butler Water Treatment Plant and have implemented a series of laboratory scale tests designed to evaluate alternative methods of treatment that will aid in the reduction of TTHM.
We have completed a preliminary review of alternative TTHM removal processes that may be considered for application within the High Crest system.
We are working to identify and implement measures to reduce the water age which will also aid in the reduction of TTHM, and as a result, we have installed one continuous flush line within the High Crest system.

For more information, please contact our Customer Service Department at 973-340-4300 or customerservice@pvwc.com.

This notice is being sent to you by PVWC-High Crest – Public Water System ID No. NJ1615003

Date distributed: December 27, 2011

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) MCL Violation at

Passaic Valley Water Commission-High Crest Public Water System

High Crest Lake Community, West Milford, NJ

Posted: October 25, 2011

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results from October 2010 – September 2011 show that our system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for TTHM. The standard for TTHM is 80 ug/L and is based on a running annual average which is determined by averaging all samples collected by our system for the last 12 months. The level of TTHM averaged at our system for October 2010 – September 2011 was 81 ug/L.

What should I do?

What does this mean?

This is not an emergency. If it had been an emergency, you would have been notified within 24 hours.

TTHM are four volatile organic chemicals which form when disinfectants react with natural organic matter in the water.

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.

What is being done?

We are working with a professional engineering firm to assist us in evaluating methods to reduce the TTHM within the distribution system. These methods include a review of the water treatment process and disinfection practices to determine if the process can be further optimized for TTHM reduction. Other potential methods that will be evaluated include options for the physical removal of the TTHM. We will be establishing an implementation schedule for the necessary improvements to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

For more information, please contact our Customer Service Department at 973-340-4300 or customerservice@pvwc.com.

This notice is being sent to you by PVWC-High Crest – Public Water System ID No. NJ1615003

Date distributed: November 3, 2011

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER

Posted: January 3, 2011

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER

Passaic Valley Water Commission found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings in our community. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children 6 years and younger. Please read the following notice closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water and to learn what Passaic Valley Water Commission is doing to address this problem.

Call us at 973-340-4300 for more information. January 2011.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER

Passaic Valley Water Commission found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children 6 years and younger. Please read this notice closely to see what you can do to reduce lead in your drinking water.

This notice is brought to you by Passaic Valley Water Commission, Public Water System ID # NJ1605002. January 2011.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD

Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants, young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development.

SOURCES OF LEAD

Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure. The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials. In addition, lead can be found in certain types of pottery, pewter, brass fixtures, food, and cosmetics. Other sources include exposure in the work place and exposure from certain hobbies (lead can be carried on clothing or shoes).

New brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8 percent lead to be labeled as “lead free”. However, plumbing fixtures labeled National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified may only have up to 2 percent lead. Consumers should be aware of these options when choosing fixtures and take appropriate precautions.

Lead has not been detected in Passaic Valley Water Commission’s finished water sources. When water is in contact with pipes [or service lines] or plumbing that contains lead for several hours or more, the lead may enter drinking water. This means the first water drawn from the tap in the morning, or later in the afternoon after returning from work or school, can contain fairly high levels of lead. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have plumbing containing lead. New homes may also have lead; even “lead-free” plumbing may contain some lead.

EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of a person’s potential exposure to lead may come from drinking water. Infants who consume mostly formula mixed with lead-containing water can receive 40 to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water.

Don’t forget about other sources of lead such as lead paint, lead dust, and lead in soil. Wash your children’s hands and toys often as they can come into contact with dirt and dust containing lead.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO LEAD IN YOUR

WATER

1. Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15-30 seconds or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking, if it hasn’t been used for several hours. This flushes lead-containing water from the pipes. Flushing usually uses less than one or two gallons of water and costs less than 30 cents per month.

2. Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.

3. Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.

4. Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or www.nsf.org for information on performance standards for water filters. Be sure to maintain and replace a filter device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality.

5. Test your water for lead. Call PVWC at 973-340-4300 to find out how to get your water tested for lead and for a list of local laboratories that have been certified by EPA for testing water quality. The following is a list of some State approved laboratories in your area that you can call to have your water tested for lead.

●Passaic Valley Water Commission ● All-Test Laboratories, Div of QC Laboratories

1525 Main Avenue, Clifton NJ 07011 196 Paterson Avenue, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

973-340-4300 201-288-6511

6. Get your child tested. Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead if you are concerned about exposure.

7. Identify if your plumbing fixtures contain lead. New brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up to 8% lead to be labeled as “lead-free.” Visit the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Web site at www.nsf.org to learn more about lead-containing plumbing fixtures.

WHAT HAPPENED? WHAT IS BEING DONE?

Tap water monitoring results from our most recent monitoring study, which took place during September and October of 2010, revealed elevated lead levels in some homes/buildings in Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, and Prospect Park.

We are continuing our efforts to correct the problem such as:

· Monitoring the system twice per year through voluntary public involvement in accordance with EPA/NJDEP requirements.

· Replacing lead service lines, where 193 lead service lines were replaced in 2010.

· Constructing new chemical feed control systems in the distribution system that will improve water stability.

· Designing a new water quality stabilization system for the Wanaque supply, which is blended with finished water produced at PVWC’s main treatment facility.

· Continuing the reservoir improvement project to address finished water storage to allow the application of the recommended corrosion control treatment. The feasibility study phase of the project was completed in 2010. We are now working on the next phase of the project which is anticipated to be complete in 2011.

Find out if your home plumbing has lead. A licensed plumber can check to see if your home’s plumbing contains lead solder, lead pipes, or pipe fittings that contain lead. The public water system that delivers water to your home should also maintain records of the materials located in the distribution system.

Find out whether your service line is made of lead. Determine whether or not the service line that connects your home or apartment to the water main is made of lead. The best way to determine if your service line is made of lead is by either hiring a licensed plumber to inspect the line or by contacting the plumbing contractor who installed the line. You can identify the plumbing contractor by checking the city’s record of building permits which should be maintained in the files at your local building department.

If the service line that connects your dwelling to the water main contributes more than 15 ppb to drinking water, after our comprehensive treatment program is in place, we are required to replace the portion of the line we own. If the line is only partially owned by Passaic Valley Water Commission, PVWC is required to provide the owner of the privately-owned portion of the line with information on how to replace the privately-owned portion of the service line, and offer to replace that portion of the line at the owner’s expense.

If we replace only the portion of the line that we own, we also are required to notify you in advance and provide you with information on the steps you can take to minimize exposure to any temporary increase in lead levels that may result from the partial replacement; to take a follow-up sample at our expense from the line within 72 hours after the partial replacement; and to mail or otherwise provide you with the results of that sample within three business days of receiving the results. Acceptable replacement alternatives include copper, steel, iron, and plastic pipes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information, call us at 973-340-4300, or visit our website at www.pvwc.com. For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/lead or contact your health care provider.

Your family doctor or pediatrician can perform a blood test for lead and provide you with information about the health effects of lead.

Your local building/code department can provide you with information about building permit records that should contain the names of plumbing contractors that plumbed your home. Please call the following numbers:

Residents of Clifton:

Clifton Building Department at 973-470-5809

Residents of Passaic:

Passaic Code Enforcement at 973-365-5549

Residents of Paterson & Prospect Park:

Paterson Building Department at 973-321-1232

For additional copies of this pamphlet please contact Passaic Valley Water Commission at

973-340-4300.

IMPOSTER REPAIRMEN SCAMS

Residents are urged to protect themselves against thieves posing as a water repairman: Always ask to see credentials from anyone trying to enter your house, but beware that burglars posing as utility workers sometimes carry fake identification.

Make sure repairmen are driving a utility-company vehicle before you allow them in your house. When in doubt, call the police before letting anyone in your home.