Bloomfield, NJ
Tap Water Quality Report
Bloomfield is home to many leafy green streets
The Verdict
Bloomfield's tap water quality is rated Fair (C). The Township purchases treated surface water from the Newark Water Department, which withdraws water from the Pequannock Watershed's five-reservoir system in West Milford, New Jersey and treats it at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant. The primary reason for the C rating is PFOA (forever chemicals) levels that exceed future EPA health limits. Although heavy metal levels are generally low, trace amounts of lead, arsenic, and mercury are present but within EPA standards. Disinfection byproducts are within federal limits.
Disclaimer: The Town Water Check grading system is our opinion, based on measured contaminant levels as well as the known effects on long-term human health. Others may reach a different conclusion. For the most current information, please consult your water provider or municipality.
Summary
Bloomfield is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 53,000 residents. Located between Newark and Montclair, Bloomfield sources its water from the Newark Water Department, which draws from the Pequannock Watershed's five-reservoir system in northern New Jersey.
According to the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), Bloomfield has implemented an aggressive Lead Service Line Replacement Program to reduce lead exposure. Lead was measured at 2.76 ppb (parts per billion), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. The water system demonstrates strong performance in controlling heavy metals and biological contaminants. However, elevated PFOA levels remain a concern as they exceed future EPA health advisory limits.
Good News
All levels of biological and radiological contaminants, pesticides and left-over disinfecting products were either undetectable or well within EPA limits.
Without water, life is not possible. It's needed for transporting and dissolving nutrients, maintaining body temperature as well as our very shape. In fact, humans are about 60% water. Drinking quality water is as important for good health and longevity as eating well and exercising.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have a high atomic weight and density. While some are essential nutrients in small amounts, others can be toxic even at low concentrations. The EPA sets Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for heavy metals in drinking water to protect public health.
Bloomfield Heavy Metals Results:
Chromium and Cadmium: Undetected
Lead: Detected at 30% of EPA limit (2.76 ppb vs. 15 ppb action level)
Arsenic: Detected at 5% of EPA limit
Mercury: Detected at 10% of EPA limit
All heavy metals are within EPA safety standards. Bloomfield's Lead Service Line Replacement Program is actively working to reduce lead exposure further.
EPA limits and primary health effects for heavy metals
Bloomfield heavy metals levels relative to EPA limits - all within safe ranges
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of man-made chemicals created in the 1930s by bonding Carbon and Fluorine atoms. This bond is one of the strongest in chemistry, making PFAS extremely persistent in the environment and the human body - hence the name "forever chemicals." PFAS have been used in countless products including non-stick cookware, water- repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foams.
PFAS are commonly found in non-stick cookware and food packaging
Bloomfield PFAS Results:
PFOA: 293% of future EPA limit (11.7 ppt vs. 4.0 ppt limit)
PFOS: 78% of future EPA limit (within current standards)
PFHxS and PFNA: 20% of future EPA limits
HFPO-DA (Gen X): Not detected
The elevated PFOA level is the key factor in Bloomfield's C rating. It's important to note these limits are not yet legally enforceable, as the EPA is still in the process of implementing them. Relatively recent discoveries that even miniscule PPT (parts per trillion) levels of PFAS are harmful, and the resulting legislation, have created a very challenging situation for water supply companies, since commercial filtration infrastructure cannot be changed overnight.
Bloomfield PFAS levels - PFOA exceeds future EPA health advisory limit
Other Contaminants
No other significant contaminant issues were detected in Bloomfield's water supply. While disinfection byproducts (TTHM and HAA5) and aluminum are present, they remain within EPA acceptable limits.
Other contaminants in Bloomfield - all within EPA safety standards
Notable Findings:
- Aluminum at 75% of EPA limit - can cause aesthetic issues such as cloudy water
- TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) at 66% of EPA limit
- HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) at 63% of EPA limit
- Chlorine at 34% of EPA limit (used for disinfection)
- All other contaminants at 20% or below of EPA limits
Our Grading System
Like nature's masterpiece, a glass of pristine water is something to behold. Yet, when various contaminants are present, it's a different story. Consider the image of the Mona Lisa on the left and compare it to the image on the right, which contains several key water contaminants overlaid on it.
Important note about fluoride: We consider fluoride separately from other contaminants due to its unique status as an intentionally added substance for dental health benefits. While we note its presence, it does not negatively impact our water quality grades, as it is added by design rather than being an unwanted contaminant.
Illustrating how contaminants affect water quality, similar to how alterations affect a masterpiece
How We Grade:
We evaluate water quality based on the toxicity of each contaminant, the level at which it is present, as well as the cumulative impact of all detected contaminants.
How Does Bloomfield Compare?
The C, Fair rating is actually average or above for the local area. Nearby Orange, New Jersey with no detectable lead, arsenic or forever chemicals, was the only local municipality to rate excellent.
Regional water quality comparison - Bloomfield and neighboring communities
Better than Bloomfield:
- Orange (A)
Similar to Bloomfield:
- Newark (C)
- Clifton (C-)
- Harrison (C)
- South Orange (C)
Our Filter Recommendation
Given the levels of PFAS and heavy metals in Bloomfield tap water, we recommend using a reverse osmosis (RO) type filter with a NSF/ANSI 58 standard. Alternatively, some Carbon Block filters with an NSF/ANSI 53 rating may also be effective.
Just ensure they are certified to remove your particular water contaminants. If you would like to find out more about these filters, please visit: www.townwatercheck.com/water-filter-selection
Note: The Consumer Confidence Report does not indicate active water fluoridation in Bloomfield.
Filter options: Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems and Carbon Block filters
Bloomfield is bustling during the day.
We hope that our tap water information has proven helpful.
Notes:
- For the latest tap water information, check with your water provider or municipality.
- Relatively recent discoveries that even miniscule PPT (parts per trillion) levels of PFAS are harmful, and the resulting legislation, have created a very challenging situation for water supply companies, since commercial filtration infrastructure cannot be changed overnight.
- The influence of contaminants on health relates to chronic, long-term, not acute or immediate effects. We make no claims, positive or negative, regarding tap water safety.
- Sampled tap water data tends to be more conservative than the average glass of tap water, often citing the 9th worst of 10 samples.
- The information contained in this report may not reflect the views of our advisors.
- Please contact Town Water Check if you feel we have made an error.
- For purposes of consistency, we use EPA limits throughout this report, not state or local limits.
Town Water Check wishes you a healthy and informed life and a cleaner, more beautiful planet.