Morris County MUA 2023 Water Quality Tables For 2022

Sodium - The MCMUA slightly exceeded the recommended Upper Limit (RUL) for sodium at one of their wells. For healthy individuals, the sodium intake from water is not important because a much greater intake of sodium takes place from salt in the diet. However, sodium levels above the RUL may be of concern to individuals on a sodium-restricted diet.

Overview

Listed in the table are the contaminants that were detected. In this table, you will find many terms and abbreviations that might not be familiar. To help you better understand these terms, we've provided the following definitions.

Secondary Contaminant

Substances that do not have an impact on health. Secondary contaminants affect aesthetic qualities such as odor, taste or appearance. Secondary standards are recommendations, not mandates.

Recommended Upper Limit - RUL

Recommended maximum concentration of secondary contaminants. RULs are recommendations, not mandates.

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring

The Morris County MUA monitored for the following unregulated contaminants. Unregulated contaminants are those for which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist the EPA and NJDEP in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether regulation is warranted. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely found in the environment. EPA has identified a health advisory level for two PFAS analytes, PFOA and PFOS 0,070 ppb either singly or combined, and NJDEP has proposed new drinking water standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS of 14 ng/L (0.014 ppb) and 13 ng/L (0.013 ppb), respectively. It is likely that the NJDEP will adopt a final rule regarding the new MCLs before the end of 2020. The detected levels of PFOA and PFOS found are below DEP's proposed MCL.

PFOA & PFOS

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS), previously referred to as perfluorinated compounds, or PFCs, that are man-made and used in industrial and commercial applications. PFOA was used as a processing aid in the manufacture of fluoropolymers used in non-stick cookware and other products, as well as other commercial and industrial uses based on its resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. PFOS is used in metal plating and finishing as well as in various commercial products. PFOS was previously used as a major ingredient in aqueous film-forming foams for firefighting and training, and PFOA and PFOS are found in consumer products such as stain-resistant coatings for upholstery and carpets, water-resistant outdoor clothing, and grease-proof food packaging. Although the use of PFOA and PFOS has decreased substantially, contamination is expected to continue indefinitely because these substances are extremely present in the environment and are soluble and mobile in water. Learn more information

The Morris County MUA participated in monitoring for unregulated contaminants under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) in 2019. Unregulated contaminants are those for which the EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist the EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether regulation is warranted.

Morris County MUA results are available upon request. The following are the potential health effects on children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and others of the found contaminants listed in the table above.

Alpha Emitters

Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing these alpha emitters in excess of the MCL, 15 (PPWS IDCi/L) over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Barium

Some people who drink water containing barium in excess of the MCL over many years could experience an increase in their blood pressure.

Nitrate

Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL 10 ppm could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.

Trihalomethanes

Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Fluoride

Some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of the MCL 4 ppm over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones. Children may get mottled teeth.

HAA5 and TTHM compliance is based on the Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA) calculated at each monitoring location.

The following is a brief summary of Morris County MUA's source water assessment performed by NJDEP. Morris County MUA is a public community water system consisting of 8 wells. This system source water comes from the following aquifers: glacial sand and gravel, limestone. The table below illustrates the susceptibility ratings on the following potential contaminant sources that the NJDEP found within the source assessment areas. Each source has a susceptibility rating of high, medium, or low for each potential contaminant.

If a system is rated highly susceptible for a contamination category, it does not mean a customer is or will be consuming contaminated drinking water. The rating reflects the potential for contamination of source water, not the existence of contamination. Public water systems are required to monitor for regulated contaminants and to install treatment if any contaminants are detected at frequencies and concentrations above allowable levels.

• Pathogens: Disease-causing organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Common sources are animal and human fecal wastes.
• Nutrients: Compounds, minerals and elements that aid growth, that are both naturally occurring and man-made.
• Volatile Organic Compounds: Man-made chemicals used as solvents, degreasers, and gasoline components.
• Pesticides: Man-made chemicals used to control pests, weeds, and fungus. Common sources include land application and manufacturing centers of pesticides.
• Inorganics: Mineral-based compounds that are naturally occurring and man-made.
• Radionuclides: Radioactive substances that are naturally occurring and man-made.
• Radon: Colorless, odorless, cancer-causing gas that occurs naturally in the environment.
• Disinfection Byproduct Precursors: A common source is naturally occurring organic matter in surface water. Disinfection byproducts are formed when the disinfectants (usually chlorine) used to kill pathogens react with dissolved organic material present in water.

If you have any questions regarding the source water assessment report or summary, please email the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water or call 609-292-5550.