New Jersey Finalizes Drinking Water Standard for PFOA and PFAS

On June 1, 2020, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) adopted amendments to the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act rules (N.J.A.C. 7:10) for new drinking water limits on perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), two toxic chemicals in the class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known more commonly as PFAS. The new rules take effect in the first quarter of 2021.

Ridgewood Water applauds this action and, in keeping with our commitment to water quality, has been working in cooperation with NJDEP to design and install treatment and institute other changes to our water system since NJDEP first issued guidance for the two substances in late 2018.

This fall, we plan to host another series of Community Open Houses, similar to those we hosted in 2018 and 2019, where Ridgewood Water’s professional staff and technical experts will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about what the utility is doing to provide customers with reliable, quality drinking water. If COVID-19 related restrictions remain in place to prevent such gatherings, we will instead hold a webinar to ensure you have access to information in a timely manner. Check back in early fall for more information on these plans.

Click here to learn more about what we are doing to monitor water quality for the presence of PFAS and our efforts to address these contaminants.

Click here to learn what Ridgewood Water is doing to protect our customers from having to bear the financial responsibility for impacts resulting from actions by companies that knowingly sold and promoted products with these contaminants.