Is Your Water Safe? Ridgewood Water Utility Reveals Aggressive Plan to Remove PFAS “Forever Chemicals” by 2026
photo courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Glen Rock NJ, Ridgewood Water, the utility serving several New Jersey municipalities, recently addressed local concerns at a meeting of the Glen Rock Activities Club. Neil Gallone, representing the utility, delivered a critical presentation focusing on two major issues facing the community: the long-term solution for PFAS contamination and the urgent need for community-wide water conservation during the current drought watch.
The session, which generated “meaningful discussion” among the retired and semi-retired attendees, highlighted the utility’s aggressive infrastructure plan to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the region.
The “Forever Chemical” Problem: How Ridgewood Water is Fighting PFAS
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), often called “forever chemicals,” are man-made chemicals linked to various health issues. The presence of elevated PFAS levels has been a serious concern for local residents.
The Challenge:
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Between 2019 and 2020, 44 out of 52 municipal wells within the Ridgewood Water service area were found to have elevated PFAS concentrations.
The Solution: GAC Treatment Facilities
Ridgewood Water is not delaying action. The utility is implementing a major capital project to remove PFAS from the water supply:
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Technology: They are installing Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment systems at multiple facilities, which are highly effective at filtering out these contaminants.
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Consolidation: The plan involves consolidating the current 31 smaller treatment facilities into 12 larger, high-capacity PFAS treatment facilities.
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Goal: The ambitious goal is to complete the entire new system by late 2026.
Current Status:
While the new facilities are being built, the utility is actively minimizing residents’ exposure by strategically using wells with lower PFAS concentrations and purchasing water from other sources that already meet strict safety standards.
Drought Watch: The Urgent Call for Water Conservation
In addition to contamination solutions, Ridgewood Water stressed the importance of community action due to a recent drought watch declared in New Jersey. Conserving water is essential for maintaining a reliable supply for everyone.
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Outdoor Water Use: Residents are specifically asked to be highly mindful of outdoor water consumption (e.g., lawn watering, car washing).
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Community Effort: Ridgewood Water encourages everyone to adopt general conservation practices to manage the region’s water resources effectively.
Actionable Steps: How You Can Help Your Community
Ridgewood Water offered two key recommendations for residents:
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Conserve Water Daily: Be conscious of your indoor and outdoor water usage. Simple steps like fixing leaks and reducing irrigation can make a significant collective impact, especially during a drought watch.
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Health Precautions: If you belong to a sensitive population (e.g., pregnant, severely compromised immune system), or if you have specific health concerns, consider preparing infant formula and other beverages with bottled water. The utility recommends discussing your tap water consumption with your healthcare provider.
About the Glen Rock Activities Club
The successful presentation was hosted by the Activities Club of Glen Rock, a non-profit, non-political organization for retired and semi-retired men in the area. The club promotes fellowship and friendship through various activities, including bowling, golf, and monthly meetings featuring informative speakers.
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