ATTENTION PVWC CUSTOMERS IN OUR POST BROOK SERVICE AREA — IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Our water system recently violated a New Jersey drinking water standard. As our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we did/are doing to correct this situation.
We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. The New Jersey standard for PFOS is 0.013 µg/L and is based on a running annual average (RAA). On June 7, 2021, we received notice that the RAA based upon samples collected in the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2021, 0.043 µg/L and 0.040 µg/L respectively, showed that our system exceeds the standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for PFOS. Regardless of the next two quarter results, the current RAA for PFOS is 0.021 µg/L which is above the MCL.
What does this notification mean?
Some people who drink water containing PFOS in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their immune system, kidney, liver, or endocrine system. For females, drinking water containing PFOS in excess of the MCL over many years may cause developmental effects and problems with the immune system, liver, or endocrine system in a fetus and/or an infant. Some of these developmental effects can persist through childhood.
For more information refer to: https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/pfas_drinking%20water.pdf.
What is PFOS?
PFOS is part of a group of perfluorinated chemicals that have been extensively produced in recent decades. They can be present in a wide range of consumer products such as stain- and water-repellent fabrics for carpets, clothing, upholstery, and grease-resistant food packaging and cookware, etc. They are also used for firefighting at airfields and in some industrial processes. PFAS can enter drinking water through industrial release to water, air, or soil; discharges from sewage treatment plants; land application of contaminated sludge; and use of firefighting foam.
What should I do?
- 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.
- If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
- Boiling your water will not remove PFOS.
What is being done?
Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) has been monitoring PFOS in the Nosenzo Pond Wells for multiple years to determine whether the Post Brook water supply contains PFOS, at what levels, and at what frequency. After reviewing the data PVWC determined that the installation of a treatment system that can remove PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals is the best course of action. PVWC is currently solicitating proposals from technical experts in the field of water treatment to evaluate the most appropriate technology for treating Post Brook’s drinking water to reduce the levels of PFOS in the water delivered to your community. PVWC expects to complete selection of proposals in early Fall 2021.
To view all the drinking water quality data collected by PVWC visit https://www9.state.nj.us/DEP_WaterWatch_public/index.jsp and enter NJ1615008 for the PWSID.
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 Passaic Valley Water Commission. State Water System ID#: NJ1615008
