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Is Elizabeth City Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:48 pm, July 15, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Elizabeth City?

Yes, Elizabeth City's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Elizabeth City has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Elizabeth City's local Twitter account.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Elizabeth City's water utility, Nj American Water - Liberty, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Nj American Water - Liberty water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Elizabeth City Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Elizabeth City tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Elizabeth City's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Elizabeth City Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Nj American Water - Liberty for Elizabeth City in New Jersey. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2011, Elizabeth City had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report which falls into the Other rule code group, and the Consumer Confidence Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Is there Lead in Elizabeth City Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Elizabeth City water system, Nj American Water - Liberty, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.002 mg/L of lead in Elizabeth City water. This is 13.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Elizabeth City contained more lead.

While Elizabeth City water testing may have found 0.002 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Elizabeth City Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Franklin NG Site - near Elizabeth City with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Elizabeth City has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Elizabeth City SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
07/01/2011 - Resolved No Other Violation (Other) Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report (71) Consumer Confidence Rule (420) Consumer Confidence Rule (7000) Other (400) Consumer Confidence Rule (420)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Elizabeth City Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT ELIZABETH CITY CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Elizabeth City water provider, Nj American Water - Liberty, please use the information below.
By Mail: P O BOX 102
BOUND BROOK, NJ, 08805
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR NJ AMERICAN WATER - LIBERTY
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Nj American Water - Liberty account to pay their Elizabeth City water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Nj American Water - Liberty bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Elizabeth City water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Elizabeth City water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP ELIZABETH CITY WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Elizabeth City means you will often need to put the water in your name with Nj American Water - Liberty. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Elizabeth City means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Nj American Water - Liberty. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Elizabeth City tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 39% Low
  • Water Pollution 46% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 61% High
  • Water Quality 54% Moderate

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Elizabeth City, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Elizabeth City Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Elizabeth City's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2020 Annual

Liberty Water Company

PWS ID: NJ2004001

Each year, Liberty Water Company, operated by American Water Contract Services, produces a Water Quality Report. For more information about this report, please contact Liberty Water Company at 1-855-722-7066.

Once again, we proudly present our Annual Water Quality Report, also referred to as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). CCRs let consumers know what contaminants, if any, were detected in their drinking water as well as related potential health effects. CCRs also include details about where your water comes from and how it is treated. Additionally, they educate customers on what it takes to deliver safe drinking water and highlight the need to protect drinking water sources.

What is a Consumer Confidence Report

2

Mark of Excellence

3

About Your Drinking Water Supply

4

What are the Sources of Contaminants?

5

Protecting Your Drinking Water Supply

6

About Lead

7

Important Information About Your Water

8-10

Chloramines

 

Fluoride

 

Cryptosporidium

 

Nitrates

 

UCMR

 

PFOA/PFAS

 

Water Quality Results

11

Definitions of Terms Used in this Document

12

Water Quality Results: Detailed Charts

13-18

Contact Us

19

2

Just as New Jersey American Water is investing in research and testing, we also understand the importance of investing in the infrastructure that provides high-quality water service to you.

3

WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM

Water for the Liberty System is purchased from Raritan Water System and Newark Water Dept. Source water for the Raritan System is surface water that comes from the Millstone River, Raritan River, and the Delaware & Raritan Canal. The Newark

Water Company’s surface water sources are from reservoirs

located in the Pequannock and Wanaque watersheds.

The Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) is a program of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to study existing and potential threats to the quality of public drinking water sources throughout the state. Sources are rated depending upon their contaminant susceptibility.

The NJDEP considered all surface water highly susceptible to pathogens, therefore all intakes received a high rating for the pathogen category. For the purpose of the SWAP, radionuclides are more of a concern for ground water than surface water. As a result, surface water intakes’ susceptibility to radionuclides was not determined and a low rating was assigned.

If a system is rated highly susceptible for a contaminant category, it does not mean a customer is or will be consuming contaminated drinking water. The rating reflects the potential for contamination of source water, not the existence of contamination. Public water systems are required to monitor for regulated contaminants and to install treatment if any contaminants are detected at frequencies and concentrations above allowable levels.

As a result of the assessments, the NJDEP may customize (change existing) monitoring schedules based on the susceptibility ratings.

For susceptibility ratings of purchased water, refer to the specific water system's source water assessment report. Source Water Assessment Reports and Summaries are available for public water systems at http://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply/swap/index.html, or by contacting the NJDEP, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at 609- 292-5550 or watersupply@dep.nj.gov.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE LIBERTY SYSTEM

Water source:

Your water comes from a public community water system consisting of 98 wells, 7 surface water intakes and 1 purchased surface water source. Water is purchased from Newark Water Co.

Source water comes from Millstone River, Raritan River, Delaware & Raritan Canal.

Average amount of water supplied to customers daily:

130 million gallons per day

4

5

Report any spills, illegal dumping or suspicious activity to the NJDEP at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877- 927-6337).

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about your water supply and local activities, visit us online at www.amwater.com/njaw or contact the Customer Call Center at 1-855-722-7066.

Remember to Be Water Smart

Wise water use is an important first step in protecting our water supply. Such measures not only save the supply of our source water but can also save you money by reducing your water bill.

Wise water tips for inside your home

  • Fix leaking faucets, pipes, toilets, etc.
  • Replace old fixtures; install water-saving devices in faucets, toilets and appliances.
  • Wash only full loads of laundry.
  • Do not use the toilet for trash disposal.
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
  • Soak dishes before washing.
  • Run the dishwasher only when full.

You can be water smart outdoors as well

  • Use mulch around plants and shrubs.
  • Repair leaks in faucets and hoses.
  • Use water-saving nozzles.

6

CHECK YOUR PLUMBING AND SERVICE LINE

If you live in an older home, consider having a licensed plumber check your plumbing for lead. If your service line is made of lead, and you’re planning to replace it, be sure to contact us at 1-855-722-7066.

7

CHLORAMINES

Chloramines are a New Jersey and federally approved alternative to free chlorine for water disinfection. Chloramines can reduce disinfection by-product formation and may help reduce concerns related to taste. Chloramines are also used by many American Water systems and many other water utilities nationally.

Chloramines have the same effect as chlorine for typical water uses with the exception that chloramines must be removed from water used in kidney dialysis and fish tanks or aquariums.

Treatments to remove chloramines are different than treatments for removing chlorine. Please contact your physician or dialysis specialist for questions pertaining to kidney dialysis water treatment. Contact your pet store or veterinarian for questions regarding water used for fish and other aquatic life. You may also contact our Customer Service Center at 1-855-722-7066 for more chloramine information.

FLUORIDE

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance. It can be present in drinking water from two sources:

  1. By nature when groundwater comes into contact with fluoride-containing minerals naturally present in the earth; or
  2. By a water purveyor through addition of fluoride to the water they are providing in the distribution system.

The Liberty Water Company does not contain naturally-occurring fluoride in the surface water. If you have any questions on fluoride, please call Liberty Water Company’s Customer Service Center at 1-855-722-7066.

RADON

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in some groundwater. It may pose a health risk when the gas is released from water into air, as occurs while showering, washing dishes and performing other household activities. Radon can move up through the ground and into a home through cracks in the foundation. Compared to radon entering the home through soil, radon entering through tap water is, in most cases, a small source of radon in indoor air. Inhalation of radon gas has been linked to lung cancer; however, the effects of radon ingested in drinking water are not yet clear. If you are concerned about radon in your home, tests are available to determine the total exposure level.

Radon has not been detected in our surface water

 

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sources.

 

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM

Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in surface water throughout the U.S. Although filtration removes Cryptosporidium, the most commonly-used filtration methods cannot guarantee 100 percent removal. Our monitoring indicates the presence of these organisms in our source water and/or finished water. Current test methods do not allow us to determine if the organisms are dead or if they are 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 be spread through means other than drinking water.

NITRATES

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10

 

mg/L is a health risk for infants of less than six

 

months of age. Such nitrate levels in drinking

 

water can interfere with the capacity of the

 

infant’s blood to carry oxygen, resulting in

 

serious illness. Symptoms include shortness of

 

breath and blueness of the skin. Nitrate levels

 

above 10 mg/L may also affect the ability of

 

the blood to carry oxygen in other individuals,

 

such as pregnant women and those with

 

certain specific enzyme deficiencies. Nitrate

 

levels may rise quickly for short periods of time

 

because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If

 

you are caring for an infant or if you are

 

pregnant, you should ask for advice from your

 

health care provider.

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UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING RULE (UCMR)

The EPA created the Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to assist them in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether new regulations are warranted. The first Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR1) testing was completed in 2003 for a list of contaminants specified by the EPA. Unregulated contaminants are those for which the EPA has not established drinking water standards. UCMR2 testing was conducted between November 2008 and August 2009, and UCMR3 assessment monitoring was conducted between January 2013 and December 2016. The fourth list of contaminants to monitor as part of the UCMR was published by the EPA in December 2016. UCMR4 testing began in 2018 and will continue until 2020. The results from the UCMR monitoring are reported directly to the EPA. The results of this monitoring are incorporated in the data tables in this report as appropriate. For more information, contact our Customer Service Center at 1-855-722-7066.

PFOA/PFOS Monitoring

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are fluorinated organic chemicals that are part of a larger group of chemicals referred to as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PFOS and PFOA have been extensively produced and studied in the United States. They have been used in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, and other materials (e.g., cookware) designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant or non-stick. In addition, they have been used in fire-retarding foam and various industrial processes.

Exposure to PFOA and PFOS over certain levels may result in adverse health effects, including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy or to breastfed infants (e.g., low birth weight, accelerated puberty, skeletal variations), cancer (e.g., testicular, kidney), liver effects (e.g., tissue damage), immune effects (e.g., antibody production and immunity), thyroid effects and other effects (e.g., cholesterol changes). While people are exposed to PFOS and PFOA largely through food, food packaging, consumer products, and house dust, the exposure through drinking water has become an increasing concern due to the tendency of PFASs to accumulate in groundwater. In 2021, the NJDEP established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) at 13 ppt for PFOS and 14 ppt for PFOA in drinking water.

10

WATER QUALITY STATEMENT

We are pleased to report that during calendar year 2020, the results of testing of your drinking water complied with all state and federal drinking water requirements.

For your information, we have compiled a list in the table below showing the testing of your drinking water during 2020. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentration of the contaminants does not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old.

The data presented in the Table of Detected Contaminants is the same data collected to comply with EPA and New Jersey state monitoring and testing requirements. We have learned through our testing that some contaminants have been detected; however, these contaminants were detected below the levels set by the EPA to protect public health. To assure high quality water, individual water samples are taken each year for chemical, physical and microbiological tests. Tests are done on water taken at the source, from the distribution system after treatment and, for lead and copper monitoring, from the customer’s tap. Testing can pinpoint a potential problem so that preventative action may be taken. The Safe Drinking Water Act regulations allow monitoring waivers to reduce or eliminate the monitoring requirements for

asbestos, volatile organic chemicals, and

 

11

synthetic organic chemicals.

 

12

Liberty Water Company conducts extensive monitoring to determine if your water meets all water quality standards. The detections of our monitoring are reported in the following tables. While most monitoring was conducted in 2020, certain substances are monitored less than once per year because the levels do not change frequently. For help with interpreting the tables below, see the “Definition of Terms” on the previous page. Some unregulated substances are measured, but maximum contaminant levels have not been established by the government. These contaminants are shown for your information.

The Safe Drinking Water Act regulations allow monitoring waivers to reduce or eliminate the monitoring requirements for asbestos, volatile organic chemicals, and synthetic organic chemicals. Our system has received a monitoring waiver for asbestos.

Vulnerable Populations Statement

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 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

NOTE: Regulated contaminants not listed in this table were not found in the treated water supply.

LEAD AND COPPER MONITORING PROGRAM - At least 50 tap water samples collected at customers’ taps every year

Substance

Year Sampled

Compliance

MCLG

Action Level

90th Percentile

No. of Homes

Homes Above

Typical Source

(with units)

Achieved

(AL)

Sampled

Action Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead (ppb)

2020

Yes

0

15

2

52

1

Corrosion of household plumbing systems.

Copper (ppm)

2020

Yes

1.3

1.3

0.235

52

0

Corrosion of household plumbing systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TURBIDITY - Collected at the Treatment Plant

Substance

Year

Compliance

MCLG

MCL

Highest

Range

Typical Source

(with units)

Sampled

Achieved

Compliance Result

Detected

 

 

 

 

2020

Yes

0

TT: Results > 1 NTU

0.5

0.03 to 0.5

Soil runoff.

Turbidity (NTU) 1

 

 

 

TT: At least 95% of

 

 

 

 

2020

Yes

NA

98%

NA

Soil runoff.

 

samples <0.3 NTU

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1- Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. We monitor it because it is a good indicator of water quality. High turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants.

TREATMENT BYPRODUCTS PRECURSOR REMOVAL - Collected at the Treatment Plant

Substance

Year

Compliance

MCLG

MCL

Lowest

Range

Typical Source

(with units)

Sampled

Achieved

Compliance Result

Detected

 

 

 

Total Organic

2020

Yes

NA

TT: > 25% removal

38%

38% to 76%

Naturally present in the environment.

Carbon (TOC)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Actual /

 

 

 

TT: Running annual

 

 

 

Required

2020

Yes

NA

1.4

1.4 to 1.7

Naturally present in the environment.

average > 1

TOC Removal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISINFECTANTS – Collected and at the Treatment Plant and in the Distribution System

Substance

Year

Compliance

MCLG

MCL

Highest

Range

Typical Source

(with units)

Sampled

Achieved

Compliance Result

Detected

 

 

 

Chloramines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ppm) (Surface

2020

Yes

MRDLG = 4

TT: Results ≥ 0.2

0.5 1

0.5 to 3.8

Water additive used to control microbes.

Water)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chloramines

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ppm)

2020

Yes

MRDLG = 4

MRDL = 4

1.3 2

0.05 to 2.09

Water additive used to control microbes.

(Distribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 - Data represents the lowest residual entering the distribution system from our surface water treatment plant.

2 - Data represents the highest monthly average of chlorine residuals measured throughout our distribution system, and range indicates chloramine residual detected in the distribution system.

DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS - Collected at the Treatment Plant

Substance

Year

Compliance

MCLG

MCL

Highest

Range

Typical Source

(with units)

Sampled

Achieved

Compliance Result

Detected

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bromate (ppb)

2020

Yes

NA

10

ND

NA

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS - Stage 2: Collected in the Distribution System

Sample

Year

Compliance

MCLG

MCL

LRAA

Range

Typical Source

Location

Sampled

Achieved

Detected

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (ppb)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

2020

Yes

NA

80

31

 

11 to 64

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

B

2020

Yes

NA

80

29

 

11 to 56

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-1

2020

Yes

NA

80

31

 

9 to 64

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-2

2020

Yes

NA

80

29

 

9 to 56

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-4

2020

Yes

NA

80

30

 

11 to 55

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-5

2020

Yes

NA

80

29

 

12 to 58

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-13

2020

Yes

NA

80

30

 

11 to 62

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-16

2020

Yes

NA

80

31

 

16 to 58

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

2020

Yes

NA

60

14

 

7 to 26

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

B

2020

Yes

NA

60

17

 

11 to 24

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-1

2020

Yes

NA

60

26

 

10 to 47

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-2

2020

Yes

NA

60

22

 

8 to 33

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-4

2020

Yes

NA

60

17

 

11 to 29

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-5

2020

Yes

NA

60

20

 

9 to 30

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMS-13

2020

Yes

NA

60

27

 

9 to 48

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

SMS-16

2020

Yes

NA

60

18

 

8 to 27

By-product of drinking water disinfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: Compliance is based on the running annual average at each location. The Range Detected reflects all samples from this year used to calculate the running annual average.

Regulated Substances- Collected at the Treatment Plant

Substance

Year

Compliance

MCLG

Limit

Highest Result

Range

Comments

(with units)

Sampled

Achieved

Detected

 

 

 

 

Nitrate1 (ppm)

2020

Yes

10

10

1.6

1 to 1.6

Runoff from fertilizer use; industrial or domestic wastewater

discharges; erosion of natural deposits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 -Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider.

OTHER SUBSTANCES OF INTEREST - Collected at the Treatment Plant1

Substance

Year

Compliance

MCLG

Limit

Highest Result

Range

Comments

(with units)

Sampled

Achieved

Detected

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum

2020

NA

NA

0.2

0.01

ND to 0.01

Erosion of natural deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iron

2020

NA

NA

0.3

0.09

ND to 0.09

Naturally Occurring

Manganese

2020

NA

NA

0.05

0.01

ND to 0.01

Naturally Occurring

Sodium2

2020

NA

NA

50

32

27 to 32

Erosion of natural deposits

1 - Substances with Secondary MCLs do not have MCLGs; these limits are primarily established to address aesthetic concerns.

2 - 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 of concern to individuals on a sodium restricted diet.

16

UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING

Unregulated contaminants are those for which the EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist the EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is necessary. Every five years, the EPA issues a new list of no more than 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored.

ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS OF INTEREST - Water Leaving the Treatment Facility)

Parameter

Units

Average Result

Range Detected

Typical Source

 

 

 

 

 

Bromochloroacetic Acid

ppb

2.2

ND to 4.4

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Bromodichloroacetic acid

ppb

2.7

1 to 5.3

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Chlorodibromoacetic acid

ppb

0.1

ND to 1.2

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Dibromoacetic Acid

ppb

0.3

ND to 0.7

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Dichloroacetic Acid

ppb

9.9

2.8 to 36

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Monobromoacetic Acid

ppb

0.01

ND to 0.35

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Total Haloacetic Acids

ppb

25.1

6.6 to 62

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Total Haloacetic Acids - Br

ppb

5.3

2.3 to 9.4

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Total Haloacetic Acids-UCMR4

ppb

29

8.9 to 61

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Trichloroacetic Acid

ppb

15

3.4 to 37

By-product of drinking water disinfection

2-Methoxyethanol

ppb

ND

N/A

Used as a solvent in varnishes, dyes, resins, airplane deicing solutions. It is also used

in organometallic chemistry synthesis.

 

 

 

 

Manganese*

ppb

8.2

2.4 to 12

Naturally-occurring elemental metal; largely used in aluminum alloy production.

Essential dietary element.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Manganese has a Secondary MCL of 50 ppb.

PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES

Per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made substances used in a variety of products, such as: stain resistant fabric, non-stick coatings, firefighting foam, paints, waxes, and cleaning products. They are also components in some industrial processes like electronics manufacturing and oil recovery. While the EPA has not developed drinking water standards for PFAS, New Jersey American Water recognizes the importance of testing for these contaminants. Compounds detected are tabulated below, along with typical sources.

PERFLUORINATED COMPOUNDS

Parameter

Units

Average Result

Range Detected

Typical Source

 

 

 

 

Used for its emulsifier and surfactant properties in or as fluoropolymers (such as Teflon),

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)*

ppt

3.2

ND to 5.8

fire fighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, lubricants, paints, polishes, adhesives and

 

 

 

 

photographic films

Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFOS)*

ppt

2.6

ND to 5.3

Manmade chemical; used in products for stain, grease, heat and water resistance

17

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan found in surface water throughout the U.S. Although filtration removes Cryptosporidium, the most commonly-used filtration methods cannot guarantee 100 percent removal. 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, people with severely weakened immune systems have a risk of developing a life-threatening illness. We encourage such people to consult their doctors regarding appropriate precautions to take to avoid infection. Cryptosporidium must be ingested to cause disease. It can also be spread through means other than drinking water.

The U.S. EPA issued a rule in January 2006 that requires systems with higher Cryptosporidium levels in their source water to provide additional treatment. To comply with this rule, New Jersey American Water conducted 24 consecutive months of monitoring for Cryptosporidium in our raw water sources. Monitoring was completed in 2017. We detected the organism in the raw source water during this testing. These samples were collected from the source before the water was processed through our treatment plant. In accordance with the requirements of EPA’s Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, an additional treatment upgrade is in process at the Raritan- Millstone Plant for removal/inactivation of Cryptosporidium. Results from the same monitoring period for our Canal Rd Plant raw water source and Newark Water Co. indicate that no additional treatment is necessary. For additional information regarding cryptosporidiosis and how it may impact those with weakened immune systems, please contact your personal health care provider. The recent data collected is presented in the Source Water Monitoring table below.

Source Water Monitoring

Substance (2015 - 2017)

Units

Raritan-Millstone Plant

Canal Road Plant

Typical Source

 

 

 

 

 

Cryptosporidium

Oocysts/L

ND - 0.9

ND - 0.455

Microbial pathogens found in surface waters throughout the

United States.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giardia

Cysts/L

ND - 0.622

ND - 0.727

Microbial pathogens found in surface waters throughout the

United States.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions about this report, your drinking water, or service, please contact our Customer Call Center at 1-855-722-7066.

WATER INFORMATION SOURCES

Liberty Water Company

Served by New Jersey American Water 1 Water Street, Camden, NJ 08102 www.amwater.com/njaw

NJ Dept of Environmental Protection Bureau of Safe Drinking Water:

  1. 292-5550www.state.nj.us/dep

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA): www.epa.gov/safewater

Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov

American Water Works Association: www.awwa.org

Water Quality Association: www.wqa.org

National Library of Medicine/National Institute of Health: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drinkingwater.html

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities:

44 S. Clinton Ave, Trenton, NJ 08625

Division of Customer Relations:

This report contains important information about your drinking water. If you do not understand it , please have someone translate it for you.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

19

1-800-624-0241www.state.nj.us/bpu

Contaminants


NJ American Water - Raritan

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 615430
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 31

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • 1%2C4-Dioxane
  • Arsenic
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid
  • Uranium

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Aluminum
  • Barium
  • Bromate
  • Bromochloromethane
  • Bromoform
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Manganese
  • Molybdenum
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)
  • Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

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