Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Woodbridge Township?
Yes, Woodbridge Township's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Woodbridge Township 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 Woodbridge Township's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Woodbridge Township's water utility, Middlesex Water Company, had 1 health-based violations and 2 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Woodbridge Township was resolved on Dec. 31, 2019. This assessment is based on the Middlesex Water Company 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 Woodbridge Township Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Woodbridge Township 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 Woodbridge Township's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Woodbridge Township Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Middlesex Water Company for Woodbridge Township in New Jersey. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2020, Woodbridge Township 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.
From July 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020, Woodbridge Township had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Water Quality Parameter M/R which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Lead and Copper Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Lead and Copper Rule.
From July 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2019, Woodbridge Township had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was WQP Entry Point/Tap Treatment Technique Non-Compliance which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Lead and Copper Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Lead and Copper Rule.
For the compliance period beginning Oct. 1, 2018, Woodbridge Township had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Lead and Copper Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Lead and Copper Rule.
For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2018, Woodbridge Township 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.
From July 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2017, Woodbridge Township had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Water Quality Parameter M/R which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Lead and Copper Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Lead and Copper Rule.
From Jan. 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017, Woodbridge Township had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Water Quality Parameter M/R which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Lead and Copper Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Lead and Copper Rule.
From Oct. 1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2015, Woodbridge Township had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Chlorine.
From June 1, 2014 to Aug. 31, 2014, Woodbridge Township had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: TTHM.
From Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014, Woodbridge Township had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Regular which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Inorganic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant code: Nitrate.
From June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013, Woodbridge Township had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).
From Sept. 1, 2012 to Nov. 30, 2012, Woodbridge Township had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: TTHM.
Is there Lead in Woodbridge Township Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Woodbridge Township water system, Middlesex Water Company, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.00358 mg/L of lead in Woodbridge Township water. This is 23.9% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Woodbridge Township contained more lead.
While Woodbridge Township water testing may have found 0.00358 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 Woodbridge Township 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 Woodbridge Township 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 Woodbridge Township 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.
Woodbridge Township 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 |
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| 07/01/2020 - | 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) |
| 07/01/2020 - 12/31/2020 | Archived | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Water Quality Parameter M/R (53) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) | Lead and Copper Rule (5000) | Chemicals (300) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) |
| 07/01/2019 - 12/31/2019 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | WQP Entry Point/Tap Treatment Technique Non-Compliance (59) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) | Lead and Copper Rule (5000) | Chemicals (300) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) |
| 10/01/2018 - | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R (52) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) | Lead and Copper Rule (5000) | Chemicals (300) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) |
| 07/01/2018 - | 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) |
| 07/01/2017 - 12/31/2017 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Water Quality Parameter M/R (53) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) | Lead and Copper Rule (5000) | Chemicals (300) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) |
| 01/01/2017 - 06/30/2017 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Water Quality Parameter M/R (53) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) | Lead and Copper Rule (5000) | Chemicals (300) | Lead and Copper Rule (350) |
| 10/01/2015 - 12/31/2015 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | Chlorine (0999) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
| 06/01/2014 - 08/31/2014 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | TTHM (2950) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
| 01/01/2014 - 12/31/2014 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Regular (03) | Nitrates (331) | Nitrate (1040) | Chemicals (300) | Inorganic Chemicals (330) |
| 06/01/2013 - 06/30/2013 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) (25) | Total Coliform Rule (110) | Coliform (TCR) (3100) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
| 09/01/2012 - 11/30/2012 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | TTHM (2950) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
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
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- 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.
- 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.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
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| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
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| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
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| 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.
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| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
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| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
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For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Woodbridge Township Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | 485-C ROUTE 1 SOUTH SUITE 400 ISELIN, NJ, 08830 |
Existing customers can login to their Middlesex Water Company account to pay their Woodbridge Township water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Middlesex Water Company 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 Woodbridge Township water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Woodbridge Township 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.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Woodbridge Township means you will often need to put the water in your name with Middlesex Water Company. 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.
Leaving your house or apartment in Woodbridge Township means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Middlesex Water Company. 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.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Woodbridge Township, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Woodbridge Township 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 Woodbridge Township's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT
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2020
Get To Know Your Drinking Water
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for taking the time to review our latest Water Quality Report, also known as our Consumer Confidence Report. At Middlesex Water Company, we take delivering this
water provider in the region, we serve as protectors of public health. We do this by investing to upgrade drinking
water infrastructure within our system, complying with new regulations such as the Water Quality Accountability Act and rigorously testing and monitoring water supplies at our plant and throughout the distribution system. We are committed to delivering high quality and reliable water service 24/7, 365 days a year and work to earn your trust with every drop of water we deliver.
Our “Water for Tomorrow®” infrastructure campaign is a
Plainly put, water contributes to economic development, creates jobs and supports quality of life for businesses and families in our service area. We invite you to review this report and learn about the testing and sampling conducted in 2020 and the quality of water delivered to you.
We encourage you to learn more about our company at Middlesexwater.com and about our infrastructure initiatives at WaterforTomorrowMWC.com.
You may obtain additional information about drinking water regulatory programs by contacting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800)
Thank you for being a customer of Middlesex Water Company. We look forward to serving your needs in the years ahead.
Dennis W. Doll
President and Chief Executive Officer
Water…When You Need It!
The Middlesex system
The Middlesex system produced 13.7 billion gallons of water in 2020. We utilize both surface and groundwater supplies during various times of the year and customers may receive either or a blend of both sources depending upon location and demands. During water emergencies, Middlesex Water Company can suspend, increase or decrease supplies from any of its sources. Surface water is obtained from the Delaware and Raritan Canal (D&R Canal), which is owned by the State of New Jersey and operated by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. This source is supplemented by supplies from the Round Valley and Spruce Run Reservoir Systems. Surface water sources provide 71 percent of the water distributed by the system. The
remainder comes from our wells (21 percent) and purchased water (8 percent) from New Jersey American
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The Company obtains groundwater from its Park Avenue Wellfield in South Plainfield and |
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from its Tingley Lane Wellfields in North Edison. The Middlesex System has 31 wells, which, in |
of water in 2020. |
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2020, produced approximately 2.9 billion gallons of water. Groundwater comes from |
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an underground source of water known as the Brunswick Aquifer. Water |
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quality is monitored at the Plant, at each wellfield, and throughout the |
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distribution system to determine that water delivered to our customers |
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meets federal and state drinking water quality standards. Middlesex Water conducted |
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sampling under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, UCMR3 at the Park Avenue Plant and the |
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results showed the presence of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the point of entry into the |
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distribution system. In anticipation of the pending implementation of Maximum Contaminant Levels for |
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certain PFAS by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Middlesex Water Company |
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is proactively taking action to remove these compounds and has filed suit against the alleged polluter to |
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recover remediation cost. In addition, Middlesex Water is investing over $70 million on various upgrades |
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at the Company’s existing water treatment plant to provide increased resiliency and to replace sodium |
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hypochlorite with ozone as the primary disinfectant in the water treatment process. This will help ensure |
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compliance with increasingly stringent drinking water quality regulations and to mitigate the occurrence |
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of disinfection |
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disinfects pathogenic organisms found in water more effectively than chlorine and is currently the most |
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widely used water disinfection method used in the world. In addition to inactivating pathogens in raw water, |
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it also helps to improve taste, odor and is more effective in addressing new chemicals of emerging concern. |
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Ozone water treatment, which is formed by using oxygen and electricity, adds no chemicals to the water as |
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it degrades back to oxygen very quickly. In addition to more effective water treatment, the ozone plant will |
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reduce the use of chemicals currently being used to address taste and odor and disinfection |
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We expect to gradually bring the plant online during the summer of 2021. |
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THIS REPORT WITH |
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OTHERS. |
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Landlords, businesses, |
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schools, hospitals, and other |
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groups are encouraged to |
Special Notes Regarding |
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at their locations. |
Throughout the public health crisis, our dedicated team of essential employees continued to |
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work to provide reliable water service critically important for washing hands and maintaining |
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overall appropriate personal hygiene. According to the World Health Organization and the |
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American Water Works Association, treatment methods like those used by our companies |
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are sufficient to disinfect water for numerous contaminants, including |
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continued to maintain treatment plants and water quality, repair main breaks and respond to |
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customer calls all while maintaining appropriate safety measures and precautions. We also |
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moved forward with important construction projects designed to enhance the reliability and |
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resiliency of our water treatment and distribution systems. |
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Middlesex Water Company • 2
Protecting the Source of Your Drinking Water
(SWAP) Source Water Assessment Program
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has implemented the Source Water Assessment Program to study existing and potential threats to the quality of public drinking water sources throughout the state.
Susceptibility Ratings for the Middlesex Water Company System
The table below illustrates the susceptibility ratings for each contaminant category for each source in the system. For susceptibility ratings of purchased water, refer to the specific water system’s source water assessment report.
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Pathogens |
Medium – 29 |
High |
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Low – 2 |
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Nutrients |
High – 10 |
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Medium – 21 |
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Pesticides |
Medium – 4 |
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Low – 27 |
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VOCs |
High – 31 |
Medium |
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Inorganics |
High – 14 |
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Medium – 17 |
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Radionuclides |
High – 3 |
Low |
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Medium – 28 |
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Radon |
High – 31 |
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High – 14 |
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Susceptibility Chart Definitions
Pathogens – Organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Nutrients – Compounds such as phosphorus and nitrogen that aid in the growth of organisms. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) –
Pesticides –
Inorganics –
Disinfection Byproduct Precursors – Naturally occurring organic matter, mainly in surface waters, that when combined with disinfectants such as chlorine, produce unwanted byproducts.
A public water system’s susceptibility rating (Low, Medium or High) is a combination of two factors: $ How sensitive the water supply is to potential contamination.
$ How often a contaminant is used or exists near the source water.
The ratings are based on the potential for a contaminant to be at or above 50% of the MCL (High), between 10% and 50% of the MCL (Medium) and less than 10% of the MCL (Low).
DEP considered all surface water highly susceptible to pathogens; therefore, all intakes received a high rating for the pathogen category. For the purpose of the Source Water Assessment Program, radionuclides are more of a concern for groundwater than surface water. As a result, surface water intakes’ susceptibility to radionuclides was not determined and they all received a low rating.
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 DEP may customize (change existing) monitoring schedules based on the susceptibility ratings.
Source Water Assessment Reports and Summaries are available for public water systems at www.state.nj.us/dep/swap or by contacting the NJDEP’s Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at (609)
Middlesex Water Company • 3
What Substances May be Found
in the Source Water Before it is Treated?
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) generally include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water moves over land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and organics and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal or human activity. Substances that may be present in source waters prior to the treatment process include:
Microbial Contaminants |
Inorganic Contaminants |
Such as viruses and bacteria, which |
Such as salts and metals, which can |
may come from sewage treatment |
be naturally occurring or result from |
plants, septic systems, livestock and |
storm water runoff, wastewater |
wildlife. |
discharges, or farming. |
For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Pesticides and Herbicides
May come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, storm water runoff, and residential uses.
Organic
Chemical Contaminants
Including natural, synthetic and
volatile organic chemicals, which are
Can also come from gas stations, storm water runoff and septic systems.
Radioactive Contaminants
Can be naturally occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Middlesex Water Company • 4
What You Should Know
About Lead in Drinking Water
Water quality issues related to lead in drinking water continue to make national headlines. Perhaps you are concerned if similar circumstances could be present in your own water systems?
We want you to know that water delivered by Middlesex Water Company is in compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule, which sets standards for sampling for lead in drinking water. In addition, our Company eliminated all of our lead service lines more than 25 years ago.
Middlesex Water is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in household plumbing components. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically enters drinking water as a result of corrosion, or wearing away, of materials in household plumbing containing lead. While our surface water treatment process includes corrosion control to further protect customers, lead plumbing fixtures still present in your home are a cause for concern. These materials include
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 internal plumbing, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at
Do I Need to Take Special Precautions?
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA and the DEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water prescribe regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.
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 the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800)
Boil Water Advisories
Stay Informed
About Boil Water
Advisories
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
When a water service emergency occurs that may impact our customers’ health or the water supply, we use a variety of media to communicate boil water orders that are required by the state or boil water recommendations we may suggest as a precautionary measure. One immediate way you can stay directly informed about such boil water notices is by following the Company on Social Media. We encourage you to visit our website homepage at MiddlesexWater.com to sign up, and to sign up for Direct Alert, as well.
General Safety Suggestions Regarding Water Main Breaks
During main breaks or other system disruptions, Middlesex Water Company may advise customers to boil their water used for drinking. Customers should bring tap water to a rolling boil, boil for one minute, and cool before using. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food. This suggestion is offered to provide an extra margin of safety to our customers. This precautionary advisory is typically in effect from the time of the break, until 48 hours after service is restored.
These safety suggestions may be of particular interest to people with compromised immune systems, the elderly and infants who may be more vulnerable to possible contaminants in drinking water than the general population and have special needs regarding water quality. The Company suggests that these individuals discuss the boil water safety recommendation with their health care providers, should they experience any water service disruption to their homes in the future.
Based on past experience, the Company does not expect any water quality problems to be associated with main repairs. Its recommendation is simply a standard precautionary measure to better ensure the safety of its customers during distribution system and main repair work.
Middlesex Water Company • 5
HEALTH INFORMATION
Health Effects of Detected Contaminants
(Required Language)
Sodium – 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.
Required Additional Health Information
Special Considerations Regarding Children, Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers, and Others
64,240 gallons
Children may receive a slightly higher amount of a contaminant present in the water than do adults, on a body weight basis, because they may drink a greater amount of water per pound of body weight than do adults. For this reason, reproductive or developmental effects are used for calculating a drinking water standard if these effects occur at lower levels than other health effects of concern. If there is insufficient toxicity information for a chemical (for example, lack of data on reproductive or developmental effects), an extra uncertainty factor may be incorporated into the calculation of the drinking water standard, this making the standard more stringent, to account for additional uncertainties regarding these effects. In the cases of lead and nitrate, effects on infants and children are the health endpoints upon which the standards are based.
A Word of Caution
Our treatment systems are designed and operated to produce water that meets all state and federal standards. Many substances and microscopic organisms found in water may be a concern if they occur at high concentrations. For some contaminants, MCL levels have not been set because the EPA has not determined at what level they pose a public health risk. This is often because a reliable detection method is unavailable and/or because the contaminant is rarely found in treated water.
Some naturally occurring organisms commonly found in the natural water supplies may not be eliminated during the treatment process. This means that even a
however, that under certain circumstances, these organisms might amplify to dangerous levels within a customer’s own water supply system. All customers, including residential, commercial and industrial customers, and other large facilities such as schools, hospitals and hotels/motels, should follow appropriate procedures for maintaining their own internal plumbing systems and appliances. If you have any concerns about these matters, please call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800)
For Your Safety
A Message for People with Compromised Immune Systems
Although our drinking water meets all state and federal regulations, some people
may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.
by Cryptosporidium and other microbial pathogens are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Visit MiddlesexWater.com
to update your contact information and preferences with
DIRECTAlert. Please be sure
to have your
account number
available; it is necessary for updating
your contact information.
Middlesex Water Company • 6
Get the Lead Out for the Health and Safety of You and Your Family!
Lead can cause a variety of harmful health effects. Lead can enter drinking water from lead service lines that deliver water directly into homes or through household plumbing containing lead solder.
The customer’s service Line is on the customer’s property and is the pipe that carries water from the
Company’s connection, typically near the curb, to the home.
Should MWC encounter a lead service line during construction work on our mains, we will let our customer know and check their portion of the line for lead as well.
If we detect lead in both the customer’s service line and in the Utility’s service line, we will request that the customer replace their lead line at the same time as we replace our line. If, for some reason, the customer chooses not to replace their lead line, Middlesex Water Company will not be able to replace the company line.
If only the Utility side of the service Line is lead and the customer’s side is not lead, then we will replace the lead line and work with the customer to thoroughly flush their home after the lead line replacement work is complete.
We recommend that you have a licensed plumber check the pipes that are on your property.
Here’s how to perform a quick lead test:
$ If you have an interior water meter, carefully and lightly scratch the pipe with a key or coin. Lead is dull and very soft. If the scratch you made turns a shiny silver color, the pipe could be made of lead or steel. If you place a magnet on the pipe you scratched and the magnet sticks, it is a steel pipe. Magnets will not stick to lead or copper. Please be careful if you use this method because scratching weak or old pipes can rupture them causing leaks.
$ You can also purchase a lead detection kit at your home improvement store. But be sure the kit you purchase tests what the pipe is made of and not the water inside. A licensed plumber will also be able to inspect your pipes to determine if they are made of lead. This is the preferred method as it does not require scratching the pipe.
$ If you determine or suspect your service line is made of lead, please contact the Company at
$ Should you choose to replace your service line, please contact the Company and we will perform
To learn more about lead, contact your local health department or visit www.EPA.gov/lead.
Middlesex Water Company • 7
Definitions & Abbreviations used below:
Primary Standards: Standards which relate to public health. MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level. 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. MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level. The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. MRDLG: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal. 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. Waiver: State permission to reduce monitoring frequency because previous results have consistently
been below the MCL. ppt: Parts Per Trillion. 1 ppt corresponds to 1 penny in $10 billion. ppb: Parts Per
Billion. 1 ppb corresponds to 1 penny in $10 million. ppm: Parts Per Million. 1 ppm corresponds to 1 penny
in $10 thousand. mrem/year: Millirems per year. A measure of radiation absorbed by the body. N/A:
Not Applicable. ND: None Detectable at testing limit. NR: Not Reported. <: Less Than. >: Greater Than.
AL: Action Level. The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other
requirements which a water system must follow. CNR: Currently Not Regulated. NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit. Used to measure cloudiness in drinking water. We monitor turbidity because it is a good indicator that our filtration system is functioning properly. High turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants. pCi/l: Picocuries per Liter. A measure of the radioactivity in water. TT (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. Turbidity MCL: The Turbidity Level must be less than or equal to 0.3 NTU’s in 95% of the samples taken every month and at no time exceed 1 NTU.
Middlesex Water Company Annual Water Quality Results - 2020 |
Primary Standards |
Parameter
Units
MCL
(State/Federal
Standard)
MCLG
(Ideal Goal)
Results
Highest
Level used for
Compliance Range
MCL
Violation
Yes/No
Major Sources in Drinking Water
INORGANIC
|
Arsenic (1) |
ppb |
5 |
|
N/A |
1 |
ND - 1 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits; Runoff from glass and electronics production wastes. |
|
|
Barium |
ppm |
2 |
|
2 |
0.2 |
0.03 - 0.2 |
No |
Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits. |
|
|
Chromium (total) |
ppb |
100 |
|
100 |
1 |
ND - 1 |
N/A |
Naturally occurring element; used in making steel and other alloys. Also used for chrome |
|
|
|
plating, dues and pigments, leather tanning and wood preservation. |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nickel (2) |
ppb |
N/A |
|
N/A |
1.2 |
N/A |
No |
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits. |
|
|
Lead (3) |
ppb |
AL=15 |
|
0 |
1.7 |
N/A |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems |
|
|
Copper (3) |
ppm |
AL=1.3 |
|
1.3 |
0.21 |
N/A |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems |
|
|
Nitrate |
ppm |
10 |
|
10 |
4 |
1 - 4 |
No |
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; |
|
|
|
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
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|
MICROBIOLOGICAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turbidity |
NTU’s |
TT = 1 NTU |
|
0 |
0.5 |
N/A |
No |
Soil runoff |
|
|
TT= 95% of samples <0.3 NTU |
98% |
N/A |
|
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|
|||||
|
Disinfectant Residuals |
ppm |
>4 (MRDL) |
|
>4 (MRDLG) |
0.9 |
0.1 - 2.1 |
No |
Water additive used to control microbes |
|
|
(Chlorine/Chloramines) |
|
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DISINFECTION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Total Trihalomethanes (4) |
ppb |
80 |
|
N/A |
51 |
6 - 64 |
No |
|
|
|
Total Haloacetic Acids (4) |
ppb |
60 |
|
N/A |
33 |
2 - 37 |
No |
|
|
|
RADIOLOGICAL (5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beta & Photon emitters (6) |
pCi/l |
50 |
|
0 |
1.6 |
N/A |
No |
Decay of natural and |
|
|
Alpha emitters (7) |
pCi/l |
15 |
|
0 |
5 |
ND - 5 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
Uranium |
ppb |
30 |
|
0 |
14 |
2 - 14 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
Additional Monitoring |
|
MCL (State/ |
|
MCLG (Ideal |
Highest Level |
|
MCL |
Major Sources in Drinking Water |
|
|
|
|
|
Violation |
|
|||||
|
|
Units |
Federal Standard |
|
Goal) |
Detected |
Range |
Yes/No |
|
|
|
Additional contaminants for which we monitor that are currently not regulated by the EPA |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
PFOA (8) |
ppt |
CNR |
|
N/A |
27 |
ND - 27 |
N/A |
Used in the production of Teflon, firefighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, greases and lubricants, |
|
|
|
paints, polishes, adhesives and photographic films |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PFBS (8) |
ppt |
CNR |
|
N/A |
5 |
ND - 5 |
N/A |
Used in the production of Teflon, firefighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, greases and lubricants, |
|
|
|
paints, polishes, adhesives and photographic films |
|
|||||||
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PFOS (8) |
ppt |
CNR |
|
N/A |
13 |
ND - 13 |
N/A |
Used in the production of Teflon, firefighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, greases and lubricants, |
|
|
|
paints, polishes, adhesives and photographic films |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PFHxA (8) |
ppt |
CNR |
|
N/A |
8 |
ND - 8 |
N/A |
Used in the production of Teflon, firefighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, greases and lubricants, |
|
|
|
paints, polishes, adhesives and photographic films |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PFHxS (8) |
ppt |
CNR |
|
N/A |
8 |
ND - 8 |
N/A |
Used in the production of Teflon, firefighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, greases and lubricants, |
|
|
|
paints, polishes, adhesives and photographic films |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PFHepA (8) |
ppt |
CNR |
|
N/A |
6 |
ND - 6 |
N/A |
Used in the production of Teflon, firefighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, greases and lubricants, |
|
|
|
paints, polishes, adhesives and photographic films |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Perchlorate |
ppb |
CNR |
|
N/A |
1.6 |
0.1 - 1.6 |
N/A |
Oxygen additive in solid fuel propellant for rockets |
|
|
Chlorate |
ppb |
CNR |
|
N/A |
262 |
ND - 262 |
N/A |
Agricultural defoliant; used in production of chlorine dioxide |
|
|
ppb |
CNR |
|
N/A |
0.56 |
0.06 - 0.56 |
N/A |
|
||
|
|
plating, dues and pigments, leather tanning and wood preservation |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,4 dioxane |
ppb |
CNR |
|
N/A |
4.4 |
ND - 4.4 |
N/A |
Solvent or solvent stabilizer in manufacture of paper, cotton, textile products, auto coolant, |
|
|
|
cosmetics and shampoos |
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCMR4 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule) (9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Germanium |
ppb |
CNR |
|
N/A |
0.7 |
ND - 0.7 |
N/A |
and minerals; a byproduct of zinc ore processing; used in infrared optics, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
electronics and solar applications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manganese |
ppb |
CNR |
|
N/A |
29 |
ND - 29 |
N/A |
and minerals; used in steel production, fertilizer, batteries and fireworks; drinking water and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
wastewater treatment chemical; essential nutrient |
|
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA6Br) |
ppb |
CNR |
|
N/A |
12 |
2 - 12 |
N/A |
|
|
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) |
ppb |
CNR |
|
N/A |
49 |
2 - 49 |
N/A |
|
|
Secondary Standards (
Parameter |
Units |
RUL* |
Results |
||
|
|
||||
Average |
Range |
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sodium |
ppm |
50 |
30 |
28 - 32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alkalinity |
ppm |
N/A |
63 |
30 - 180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chlorides |
ppm |
250 |
65 |
48 - 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Color |
Color Units |
10 |
2 |
2 - 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hardness |
ppm |
250 |
156 |
28 - 322 |
|
Sulfates |
ppm |
250 |
34 |
14 - 54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Odor |
Threshold Odor |
3 |
4 |
N/A |
|
Number |
|||||
|
|
|
|
||
pH |
N/A |
6.5 - 8.5 |
7.8 |
6.8 - 8.5 |
|
(optimum range) |
|||||
|
|
|
|
||
Total Dissolved Solids |
ppm |
500 |
317 |
179 - 454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc |
ppm |
5 |
0.3 |
0.01 - 0.57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aluminum |
ppm |
0.2 |
ND |
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*RUL: Recommended Upper Limit
- MCLs for these chemicals were set by the NJDEP below those set by the EPA.
- There is no MCL for Nickel but it must be monitored.
- The listed Lead and Copper concentrations are the 90th Percentile Value.
- Compliance is based on Local Running Annual Averages of quarterly samples of individual sites. For example, for the 1st quarter LRAA you use the last 3 quarters of the previous year with the 1st quarter of the current year so the highest quarter LRAA may be greater than the range for the current year.
- The state allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Various sites are on different monitoring schedules. the results listed are from 2017, 2018 and 2020.
- The MCL for Beta Particles is 4 mrem/yr. EPA considers 50 pCi/l to be the level of concern for Beta Particles.
- The Gross Alpha compliance is determined minus the Radon and Uranium contribution.
- These contaminants are in a group of Perfluorinated compounds widely found in the environment. NJDEP established MCLs for PFOA and PFOA in 2020 with compliance sampling starting in 2021.
9 : The purpose of the UCMR monitoring is to provide the EPA Administrator with data to support decisions concerning whether or not to regulate these contaminants. Results are from 2019.
Monitoring & Reporting (M&R) |
Explanation |
Length of Violation |
Steps Taken to Correct the Violation |
Distribution Information |
|
Violation |
of the M&R Violation |
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|
We are required to monitor your |
Water systems must monitor for water |
2 days |
Consulted with the NJDEP and revised our |
Please share this information with all |
|
drinking water for specific contaminants |
quality parameters (including pH and |
|
Water Quality Parameter sampling plan |
the other people who drink this water, |
|
on a regular basis. Results of regular |
orthophosphate) at various locations and |
|
to ensure all locations are sampled at the |
especially those who may not have |
|
monitoring are an indicator of whether |
frequencies. An alternate interconnection |
|
appropriate time. |
received this notice directly (for example, |
|
or not your drinking water meets health |
was utilized for approximately two days in |
|
|
people in apartments, nursing homes, |
|
standards. From September 15th to |
September. Our laboratory had collected |
|
|
schools, and businesses). You can do this |
|
September 17th, we did not monitor |
pH and orthophosphate residuals the day |
|
|
by posting this notice in a public place or |
|
for pH and orthophosphate at an active |
before at the usual location. Both locations |
|
|
distributing copies by hand or mail. |
|
interconnection, and therefore cannot be |
have the same source water and therefore |
|
|
|
|
sure of the quality of your drinking water |
the same water quality. Sampling at the |
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|
during that time. |
alternate interconnection was missed. |
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No action is required from the customer |
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and no alternate water supply is required. |
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pH and orthophosphate have no acute |
|
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|
|
|
(immediate) health effects, however |
|
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|
changes in pH or orthophosphate |
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concentration could potentially impact |
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the effectiveness of the corrosion control |
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treatment process thereby impacting the |
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levels of lead and copper. |
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If you have a severely compromised |
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immune system, have an infant, are |
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pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at |
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increased risk and should seek advice from |
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your health care providers about drinking |
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this water. |
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During this time Lead and Copper |
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sampling met the Action Level (AL) of the |
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Lead and Copper Rule. See Water Quality |
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Results Table. |
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485 C Route 1 South
Suite 400
Iselin, NJ 08830
You can help
protect drinking water!
Never flush unwanted or expired medicine down the toilet or drain.
Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers.
Pick up after your pets.
Use and dispose of chemicals properly.
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT
2020
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Learn more at MiddlesexWater.com.
Middlesex Water supports the efforts of
Jersey Water Works and is pleased to be included in
a new resource, Jersey WaterCheck, formed to help residents
learn more about New Jersey’s water.
Once you’ve reviewed our report, feel free to
look us up on this new dashboard.
Jersey WaterCheck URL: https://www.njwatercheck.com/
Connect with Us!
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 beber.
Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
800.549.3802
PWSID# 1225001
Contaminants
Middlesex Water Company
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: 233376
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 8
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Other Detected Contaminants
- 1%2C4-Dioxane
- Chlorate
- Chlorodifluoromethane
- Molybdenum
- 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.