Ridgewood Water Spends $117M on 12 Plants to Strip Cancer-Linked ‘Forever Chemicals’ from Tap Water
photo courtesy of Ridgewood Water
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Urgent $117 Million Mission to Erase PFAS . Ridgewood Water, a utility serving over 61,000 customers across Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Midland Park, and Glen Rock, is currently engaged in one of the most ambitious and costly water clean-up efforts in New Jersey history. The utility is building a total of 12 new treatment facilities—a system characterized by its director as “likely one of the largest in the state”—specifically designed to filter out PFAS, the notorious “forever chemicals,” from its well supply.
The total estimated cost for the 12 projects is a staggering $98 million to $117 million, with completion expected by March 2027.
Why the Massive Investment? Exceeding NJ’s Strict Standards
The need for this monumental overhaul stems from recent tests that revealed many of the utility’s wells have PFAS levels exceeding New Jersey’s stringent drinking water standards.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of man-made chemicals linked to various serious health issues, including cancer. New Jersey adopted some of the nation’s toughest standards in 2020, setting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) at:
- 14 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA (used in nonstick cookware).
- 13 ppt for PFOS (used in metal plating and firefighting foam).
Ridgewood Water’s July 2025 report confirmed the severity of the problem:
- 22 of 52 wells scored 18 to 35 ppt for PFOA.
- Two wells reported 16 to 17 ppt for PFOS.
Construction Milestones: The Long Road to Clean Water
The utility is tackling the problem with a phased approach. The projects are being financed through a combination of low-interest loans from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and significant grants from the federal EPA and the state of New Jersey.
The largest and most expensive facility, a $12.2 million plant capable of treating 3.6 million gallons per day, is scheduled for a contract authorization vote in Ridgewood for the Cedar Hill Ave. site in Wyckoff.
Key Milestones and Timeline:
Immediate Action: Customer Warnings and Precautions
While the multi-year construction is underway, the utility is blending contaminated well water with cleaner sources from the Passaic Valley Water Commission, Hawthorne, and Veolia Water to dilute the chemical percentages. However, customers are advised that the risk remains, particularly during periods of low system demand when fewer wells are in operation.
Crucially, Ridgewood Water emphasizes that boiling tap water WILL NOT remove PFOA or PFOS.
The utility recommends the following precautionary steps, especially for vulnerable populations:
- Infant Formula and Juices: Should be prepared with bottled water.
- Child-Bearing Age Women (including Pregnant/Nursing): May choose to use bottled water for drinking and cooking.
- Compromised Immune Systems/Elderly: Should consult a healthcare provider regarding the use of tap versus bottled water.
Customers can also consult the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) website for certified home water treatment devices that can reduce PFAS levels. This massive infrastructure project underscores the high cost and complexity of ensuring clean drinking water as municipalities across the country grapple with the widespread contamination of forever chemicals.
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That’s great.
When can I drink water from my tap?