PFOS

New Jersey adopted a standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perfluorooctancesulfonic acid (PFOS) in 2020 and monitoring began in 2021. Our Postbrook system at Nosenzo Pond Pump Station had levels exceeding the MCL of 0.013 parts per billion (ppb). PVWC addressed this exceedance by installing a treatment system for PFOS and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). The treatment system was operational in August 2022 and providing water below detectable limits. There have been quarterly updates mailed and/or posted to the website since June 2021.

In 2023, quarterly updates will continue, however, there will only be one annual mailing. The quarterly updates will be posted to the website. If you would like to continue to receive a physical copy of the updates, please email NosenzoPFOS@pvwc.com with your name and address.

 

FAQs

  • What is an MCL?
    • An MCL or maximum contaminant level is the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water which is delivered to any user of a public water system.

 

  •  How is PFOS measured?
    • The normal units PFOS is measured in is parts per billion which is equivalent to 1 in 1,000,000,000. To determine compliance with the MCL, and Running Annual Average is used.

 

  • What is a RAA?
      • The running annual average is the average taken of the data of the four most recent quarters.

 

  • Where can I see the data?
    • You can see results for PFOS on NJ Drinking Water Watch at NJDEP-Drinking WaterWatch (state.nj.us). Input 1615008 as the PWSID. The data can be found under the heading Contaminant Results and By Contaminant name.
  •  
  • What is PFOS?
    • Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a member of the group of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), that are man-made and used in industrial and commercial applications. PFOS is used in metal plating and finishing as well as in various commercial products. PFOS has also been used in aqueous film-forming foams for firefighting and training, and it is found in consumer products such as stain-resistant coatings for upholstery and carpets, water-resistant outdoor clothing, and greaseproof food packaging. Major sources of PFOS in drinking water include discharge from industrial facilities where it was made or used, and the release of aqueous film-forming foam. Although the use of PFOS has decreased substantially, contamination is expected to continue indefinitely because it is extremely persistent in the environment and is soluble and mobile in water.

 

Contact Us

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Main Office:
Passaic Valley Water Commission
1525 Main Avenue
Clifton, NJ 07011

Telephone: 973-340-4300
Fax: 973-340-5598

Emergency:
By calling Customer Service 973-340-4300 at any time, day or night, Passaic Valley Water Commission will respond to water emergency situations for you.

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