Tag: drinking water

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RIDGEWOOD WATER STAGE II WATER USE RESTRICTIONS STILL IN FORCE

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STAGE II WATER USE RESTRICTIONS

September 8,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water wants to remind you that Stage 2 water restrictions are still in force.

In accordance with the Codes of the Village of Ridgewood, the Boroughs of Glen Rock and Midland Park, and the Township of Wyckoff, Stage II water restrictions in Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Midland Park, and Wyckoff, New Jersey are in effect beginning June 23, 2016 until further notice.

Residents, businesses, governmental agencies, and all other water users must adhere to Stage II of the restrictions shown on our website,water.ridgewoodnj.net.

If your address is an odd number, you may irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays only. If your address is an even number, you may irrigate on Wednesdays and Sundays only. A handheld hose may be used at any time including Mondays. No irrigation is allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays except the use of a hand held hose.

The restriction level had to be increased to Stage II because water is being consumed at a greater rate than the supply system can sustain, thus reducing the amount of water in reserve for fire fighting and other emergencies.

Compliance with the Stage II restrictions will reduce the likelihood that more severe controls will be needed. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Violators will be subject to a fine and court appearance

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N.J. well water is among nation’s ‘most corrosive,’ report says

Drinking-Water

By Susan K. Livio | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on August 25, 2016 at 9:20 AM, updated August 25, 2016 at 11:03 AM

TRENTON — New Jersey’s groundwater is among the “most corrosive” in the nation, putting the state’s nearly 1 million people who rely on private well at risk for lead exposure, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

The study by the U.S. Geological Survey said the risk is highest for people who live in homes with lead pipes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires public water systems to test and treat their water supplies for lead and other contaminants, but it doesn’t regulate private drinking wells.

https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/08/nj_well_water_is_among_nations_most_corrosive_repo.html?utm_content=New%20Campaign&utm_campaign=Observer_NJ_Politics&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=New%20Jersey%20Politics#incart_river_index

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DROUGHT WATCH ISSUED FOR MOST OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

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DROUGHT WATCH ISSUED FOR MOST OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY DEP URGES VOLUNTARY WATER-USE REDUCTIONS AS DRY CONDITIONS PERSIST

August 24,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ,  As a result of continued dry weather, the Department of Environmental Protection has issued a water supply drought watch for most of northern New Jersey, Commissioner Bob Martin announced today. The DEP is urging residents in the affected areas to voluntarily conserve water and for the rest of the state to practice wise water use due to continued dry weather that is impacting levels in reservoirs, lakes, rivers and streams as well as shallow ground water sources. The drought watch affects the Northeast, Northwest, and Central regions.

These regions include all of Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties. The purpose of the drought watch is to raise public awareness, formally alert all water suppliers in the affected regions, and seek voluntary cooperation to preserve existing supplies.

The goal is to moderate demand should dry conditions persist. “We have been carefully monitoring precipitation, reservoir storage, surface water and ground water conditions,” Commissioner Martin said. “The northern part of the state, which is very dependent on reservoirs, has experienced some of the driest conditions in the state over the past several months. Conditions in other parts of the state, though not as severe, are showing signs of stress, and residents of these areas should also conserve water. “We advocate for conservation of water at all times, but are urging residents to be especially aware of the situation and use water more carefully, especially when it comes to lawn watering and other non-essential uses,” Commissioner Martin added. Precipitation deficits over the past 90 days are as much as 40 percent below average in many parts of northern New Jersey, while deficits in central New Jersey are more moderate, ranging between 10 and 25 percent. Precipitation has been above average only in the southernmost counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem.

Some suggested water conservation tips include:

• Do not over-water lawns and landscaping. Two times per week for 30 minutes in the morning or late evening typically is sufficient. Use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs.

• Avoid watering lawns and plants during the heat of the day, since much of this water will evaporate without helping the lawn.

• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.

• To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes.

• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving.

• Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.

“Our hope is to avoid a water emergency and the need to impose mandatory restrictions by preserving supplies now until more rainfall provides relief and replenishes water reserves,” Commissioner Martin added. “When everyone pitches in, many millions of gallons of water could be saved each day.”

Reservoirs are the primary source of drinking water in the Northeast Region, with a total of 12 reservoirs and a combined capacity of 70.6 billion gallons. While combined reservoir storage throughout the region remains relatively good, some are showing declines that are steeper than the long-term summertime averages due to lack of rainfall and increased demand. Two reservoir systems will warrant careful observation if the dry trend continues – Suez WaterNJ’s Oradell system in Bergen County and the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission’s Wanaque system in Passaic County. The concern is that these systems could become particularly stressed if dry conditions persist.

These two systems are critical to the region, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the total storage volume and serving some of the most densely populated areas of the state. Both systems have dropped to below 80 percent of capacity, about eight percent lower than usual for this time of year. If conditions remain warm and dry and water demands do not decrease, the DEP will consider further regulatory actions, such as the designation of a drought warning.

Under a drought warning, the DEP may order water suppliers to develop alternative sources of water or transfers of water between areas of New Jersey with relatively more water to those with less. For more state water supply status information, visit: www.njdrought.org/status.html For more information on water conservation, visit: www.njdrought.org/ideas.html

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Water contract vote in Hawthorne postponed

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BY KRISTIE CATTAFI
STAFF WRITER |
THE GAZETTE (HAWTHORNE EDITION)

A water supply contract between the borough and Ridgewood was postponed until Aug. 17 until additional information could be found per a councilman’s request.

Hawthorne is currently one of Ridgewood’s water suppliers. They currently have a contract, but the Department of Environmental Protection has requested that Ridgewood extend the contract for 10 years.

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/water-contract-vote-postponed-1.1639697

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Ridgewood Water to Host Consumer Forums July 27th and August 2

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YOU ARE INVITED TO RIDGEWOOD WATER CONSUMER FORUMS TO BE HELD JULY 27 & AUGUST 2

You are invited…
Ridgewood Water consumers are invited to attend two public forums for information
and explanation of the recently mailed Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The first
event will take place on Wednesday, July 27 at 9:00 am in the Courtroom of Ridgewood
Village Hall. The second event will take place on Tuesday, August 2 at 7:00 pm in
the Youth Center of Ridgewood Village Hall. Village Hall is located at 131 N. Maple Ave.,
Ridgewood. Space is limited, so please register by contacting Donna Omelianuk,
Ridgewood Water, at 201-670-5500 ext. 271 or by email at domelianuk@ridgewoodnj.net.
The CCR that was mailed contains minor errors that have been corrected in the online
version available at water.ridgewoodnj.net. Any questions on this issue or Ridgewood
Water will be answered at the forums.

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Reader says if we lose control of Ridgewood water we are in danger of getting worse water

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The Flint water crisis is a drinking water contamination issue in Flint, Michigan, United States that started in April 2014. After Flint changed its water source from treated Detroit Water and Sewerage Department water (which was sourced from Lake Huron as well as the Detroit River) to the Flint River (to which officials had failed to apply corrosion inhibitors), its drinking water had a series of problems that culminated with lead contamination, creating a serious public health danger. From Wikipedia.

My point is that if we lose control of Ridgewood water we are in danger of getting worse water. Yes, there are problems, that is why we must be ready to remedy them, even if it means, like Fairlawn, to put water filters on wells, regardless of cost over a period to years. To pay higher water rates etc.

Yes, we must and did finally put a warning on cigarettes, ban trans fats, warn about the hazards of hormones and antibiotics in food and putting too many herbicides and pesticides and lawn, and dangers of polluted air from vehicles and so on. Many states in the U.S. have polluted water, in many cities in Jersey, the people have to use bottled water, and even bottled water has a bad rap now because it could be more polluted than local tap. Let’s admit there is a water crisis and we must be prepared to solve it, no matter what the financial cost, rather than turn our heads and look away and try to sell it away.

Sponsor: led water line repair and water main replacement contact A1 sewer & water main

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Traces of toxic chemical found in North Jersey water supplies

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BY SCOTT FALLON
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

A toxic chemical that recently raised concerns throughout the region when it was found near the Wanaque Reservoir has been detected in several smaller drinking water supplies that serve more than a dozen North Jersey towns.

Test results compiled by the federal government in the past three years show 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen, in Fair Lawn, Garfield, Pompton Lakes and several other towns that rely heavily on wells. It has also been found in almost 80 other water systems in every part of the state, from Shore towns to Highlands communities.

Environmental officials say there is no imminent health threat from the levels of 1,4-dioxane that were detected, but there is still no clear consensus on how much of the chemical can be in drinking water before it makes anyone ill. The federal government has yet to develop a national standard for the chemical in water supplies. New Jersey does not yet have one. And the standards established in other states vary wildly.

Those whose drinking water has 1,4-dioxane are left with little information or guidance about whether it is dangerous.

“We need direction based on good science,” said Ken Garrison, the borough engineer for Fair Lawn, which supplies water to 32,000 residents. “It’s difficult for a water supplier to do anything without getting guidance from the regulators.”

The findings in North Jersey range from a barely traceable amount in Park Ridge to a sample almost 30 times greater taken from some of Fair Lawn’s wells that are in a Superfund site.

While the amounts of 1,4-dioxane found in North Jersey are incredibly small — the highest recording of 3.24 micrograms per liter in Fair Lawn is equivalent to three drops of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool — they are important to regulators in setting baselines that determine how much exposure creates a health threat.

Unlike arsenic, PCBs and other dangerous substances that scientists have studied for decades, 1,4-dioxane belongs to a group of chemicals the Environmental Protection Agency classifies as an “unregulated contaminant” because the agency doesn’t have enough data to determine all of its health implications and its prevalence in water supplies.

The chemical, 1,4-dioxane, is a clear, man-made substance used in paint strippers, degreasers and varnishes. It is also created unintentionally when mixing certain chemicals. It blends with water very easily and is difficult to remove.

Drinking 1,4-dixoane can cause liver and kidney damage and is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by the U.S. Department of Health. In 2010, the EPA determined that 1,4-dioxane is more likely to cause cancer than previously thought: Cancer could occur in one person out of 1 million exposed to 0.35 milligrams per liter of the chemical over a lifetime.

The chemical made news recently after it was discovered in groundwater at the Ringwood Superfund site in the Ramapo Mountains, where Ford Motor Co. dumped tons of paint sludge almost 50 years ago. Although that groundwater is in the watershed that supplies the Wanaque Reservoir, 1,4-dioxane has not been detected in the reservoir, which serves up to 3 million people.

But it has been found in water systems that serve Fair Lawn, Garfield, Pompton Lakes, Oakland, Ramsey, Park Ridge, Elmwood Park, Ridgewood, Wallington, Hawthorne, Mahwah and other towns that receive most of their water from wells, according to an analysis of EPA data by The Record.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/traces-of-toxic-chemical-found-in-north-jersey-water-supplies-1.1530489

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Ridgewood Water Reiterates Corrosion control to reduce lead in water

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March 2,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Water detected lead in the water at homes and businesses having lead components in their plumbing. The utility is implementing a corrosion control treatment process that mitigates the problem.  Ridgewood Water’s new hydraulic modelling software was used to test various combinations of treatment sites to provide effective protection for the entire system with the least amount of equipment and expense.  The results indicated that all 30 points of entry into the system will require treatment.

Polyphosphate, a corrosion inhibitor is currently being added to the water at several locations.  The permitting process is underway to extend this treatment to the remaining sites.  Until the treatment plan receives final approval from NJDEP and is in full effect, residents can take one simple step to eliminate their exposure to lead in drinking water.  Let the faucet run for several seconds before drawing water for cooking or drinking.  If your service line is made of lead, run the water for a longer period to clear all of the water from the service line.  Call 201-670-3372 to request information on your service line material.

Water that has not been in prolonged contact with lead-containing plumbing materials will be lead-free.

Other steps residents can take are to run water to flush out lead , use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula , use alternative sources for drinking ,and if in doubt get your child tested.
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Tap water at risk closer to home; many pipes in North Jersey made of lead

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BY RICHARD COWEN AND STEVE JANOSKI
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD

Some parts of North Jersey are a lot like Flint, Mich.: old, industrial and poor, with many people living in houses built before World War II, drinking tap water that streams through pipes and fixtures made of lead.

Flint’s belated discovery of dangerously high levels of lead in tap water prompted a health emergency that has made national headlines. Lead in water has long been a problem in North Jersey and elsewhere, but aside from precautions utilities take to guard the water, they most often urge people to live with it by flushing their lines.

That may be changing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering requiring the removal of lead service lines — the pipes that deliver drinking water leading into peoples’ homes. The lines are considered the main culprit in depositing lead sediment in the drinking glass.

Removing these old lead lines and replacing them with copper or plastic was one of the recommendations made by the National Drinking Water Advisory Council to the EPA in December. The council has also recommended expanding lead testing to include a broader cross-section of homes.

Now it’s up to the environmental agency, which is fashioning a new lead and copper rule, with an eye toward adoption by 2018.

Lynn Thorp, the national campaigns director for Clean Water Action, said removing service lines is expensive and complicated. But it’s the surest way to keep drinking water safe from lead, she said.

“If there’s no safe level of lead, and our efforts to control and monitor lead in the water will never be perfect, then there’s only one solution,” she said. “And that’s to get the lead out of contact with the drinking water.”

Flint plans to remove all 15,000 of its lead service lines, estimated to cost $55 million. But as a poor city, it needs to find a funding source and is looking for help from both Congress and the Michigan state legislature.

Service lines connect the home to the water main at the curb and generally are the homeowners’ responsibility. In structures that were built before 1940, these pipes were made of lead. Since then, these service lines have been made of copper or plastic, but in many older neighborhoods, the lead lines are still being used.

United Water, which serves much of Bergen County, estimates there are 9,500 lead service lines still in use, about 5 percent of the utility’s 202,000 customers.

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/tap-water-at-risk-closer-to-home-many-pipes-in-north-jersey-made-of-lead-1.1519652

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State fighting rise in water tainted by common chemical

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BY JAMES M. O’NEILL
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

A man-made chemical used in the manufacture of stain-resistant carpets, waterproof clothing, non-stick cooking pans and other products that make life less messy has spread so far through the environment that it can be found everywhere from the fish in the Delaware River to polar bears in the Arctic — and even some drinking water in North Jersey.

The chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, is considered a likely human carcinogen and has been linked to a growing array of health problems. Concerned about its spread to the drinking water supply, state officials are developing new regulations that will require suppliers to treat the water to reduce the amount of the chemical reaching the taps.

Water samples taken by the state and federal government over the past few years found the chemical, also known as PFOA or C8, in numerous drinking water systems in New Jersey — including five in North Jersey — at levels high enough to cause potential health problems, according to researchers. The contaminant is found much more frequently in drinking water in New Jersey than in many other states.

Sampling conducted by the state in 2006 and 2009 showed PFOA at levels above the state’s health advisory standard of 0.04 parts per billion in Garfield and 11 other systems. More recently, the federal Environmental Protection Agency over the past two years detected PFOA in levels of at least 0.02 parts per billion in 14 drinking water systems, including Ridgewood Water, Fair Lawn, Garfield, Wallington and Hawthorne.

A growing number of researchers say levels of 0.02 parts per billion are high enough to cause health concerns under long-term exposure. In fact, as more scientific studies provide increasing detail about the chemical’s impact on human health, they say even tiny traces in the water supply can pose a danger.

“This stuff doesn’t belong in our water,” said Tracy Carluccio, deputy director of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, which has pushed the state to remove PFOA and similar chemicals from the water supply. “Chemical companies put it there, scientists and health experts say it has bad health effects, including cancer, and it is especially dangerous for the unborn and children. New Jersey needs to get off its duff and do something.”

PFOA is linked to kidney and testicular cancer, as well as high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension and other illnesses in a still-growing body of research. There are also probable links to low birth weight and decreased immune responses.

Yet, it is among thousands of contaminants that are not regulated by federal and state governments.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/state-fighting-rise-in-water-tainted-by-common-chemical-1.1512052

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How Long Can New Jersey’s Drinking-Water Supplies Hold Out?

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How Long Can New Jersey’s Drinking-Water Supplies Hold Out?

Environmentalists want to know why the administration is stalling on a much-needed draft of a drinking-water master plan. (Johnson/NJSpotlight)

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/15/01/12/how-long-can-new-jersey-s-drinking-water-supplies-hold-out/

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Ridgewood water supply free of lead, utility reports

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Ridgewood water supply free of lead, utility reports

JANUARY 9, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — Ridgewood Water has declared that the village water is free of lead — a move made in response to concerns following a 2012 report that showed the chemical had leached into the system.

The utility’s business director, Dave Scheibner, addressed the council this week to allay fears created by the water analysis, which was sent to customers last week.

“The water supplied by Ridgewood Water does not have lead in it,” Scheibner said, adding similar notices were issued in 2012 and 2013.

An analysis determined higher-than-acceptable lead levels in the water, Scheibner said, attributing the spike to homes in the utility’s territory that use plumbing materials that can leach the chemical into the water.

Scheibner made the comments after Catherine Gray, the mother of three children, asked the council whether her children’s health was at risk.

“Our population seems at risk for lead exposure,” Gray said. “We are worried, we are concerned and we are here for answers.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-water-supply-free-of-lead-utility-reports-1.1189353