Are there 'forever chemicals' in NJ water? Seep map of EPA data
By: Amanda Wallace
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Several North Jersey towns were found to have PEAS levels that exceed federal regulations, according to a map published by USA Today illustrating public drinking water systems that recently submitted test results for PEAS, or "forever chemicals" to the environmental Protection Agency.
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Overall, 597 water systems around the country measured chemicals up to three times above the limit when an entire year's results were averaged, USA Today reported. More than 240 water systems measured forever chemicals that were three to 86 times over the limit.
..... PEAs (per- and polyfluoroallkyl substances), often referred to as "forever chemicals," are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. According EPA, these chemicals have a common and concerning characteristic: They break down very slowly and can build up in people, animals and the environment over time. PFAS can be found in many places, from water to soil, air and food, as well as material found in homes and workplaces.
..... Surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that most people in the United States have been exposed to some PFAS as a result of their widespread production and use and their ability to move and persist in the environment.
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Although most known exposures are relatively low, the EPA says, some can be high, particularly when a person is exposed to a concentrated source over a long period of time, such as through their drinking water or their workplace. Studies are ongoing, but current research suggests that exposure to certain PEAS may lead to advisers health outcomes.
Drinking water standards
..... in 2024, the EPA established legally enforceable levels for six PFAS in public drinking water.
..... Under the agency's ruling, public water systems are now required to monitor for PFAS, inform the public of the levels in their drinking water, and implement solutions that reduce them in the case of violations.
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About 47 public water systems in North Jersey were found to have levels of forever chemicals over the EPA limit, USA Today's map shows.
..... Of those, at least nine were found to having PFAS levels "well over the limit::
* Livingston Township division of Water: 9.2X the limit.
* Rockaway Borough Water Department: 3.5X the limit.
* Veolia Water New Jersey Hackensack, Haworth: 3.3X the limit.
* Ridgewood Water: 7.7X the limit.
* Ho-Ho-Kus Water Department: 7.2X the limit.
* Oakland Water Department 3.6X the limit.
* Wanaque Water Department: 3.5X the limit.
* Park ridge Water Department: 3.7x the limit.
* Ramsey water Department: 3.3X the limit.
Can PFAS be filtered out?
..... Residents who learn there are PFAS in their drinking water may consider installing home filters. However, the EPA says, not all filters address PFAS.
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The agency says the types of finites that are available and can be effective that reducing PFAS include:
* Granular activated carbon: These use carbon to trap chemicals as water passes through them.
* Reverse osmosis: This process forces water thorough an extremely thin barrier that separates chemicals from the water.
* Ion exchange resisin: Resins are tiny beads that act as powerful magnets that attract and hold the contaminated materials, keeping them from passing through the water systems.
..... Filters can cost as little as $20 or more than $1,000, the EPA says, with variations among types, brands and how they are installed.
..... To see where PFAS were detected locally, check out the map at data.usatoday.com/projects/pfas-map/index.html .