Cedar Grove, NJ
Tap Water Quality Report
Cedar Grove park on a sunny day
The Verdict
Cedar Grove's tap water quality is rated Subpar (D). PFOA at 6.1 ppt and PFOS at 6.5 ppt both exceed future EPA limits of 4.0 ppt. These levels are below current NJ state limits but are the primary concern for our rating. Further on, we'll explain our grading system and what led us to this conclusion. Finally, we'll take a look at how neighboring communities' tap water stacks up to Cedar Grove's.
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
Cedar Grove is a township of approximately 12,000 residents in Essex County, New Jersey. The township sources its water from the Wanaque Reservoir and the Pompton and Ramapo Rivers.
According to the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), Cedar Grove's tap water shows elevated levels of PFOA at 6.1 ppt and PFOS at 6.5 ppt, both exceeding the future EPA limits of 4.0 ppt (though still below current NJ state limits). These PFAS levels are the primary factor in our Subpar rating. Heavy metals including lead (at 1.2 ppb, well below the 15 ppb action level), chromium, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium were all within EPA acceptable limits or undetectable. Disinfection byproducts and other contaminants were within federal limits.
Good News
But let's share some 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.
Heavy Metals
The EPA sets Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for heavy metals in drinking water. While these limits provide a baseline for safety, many health experts advocate for lower exposure levels, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
EPA limits and primary health effects for heavy metals
Cedar Grove's Heavy Metal Results
Only lead was detected at 1.2 ppb, which is 12% of the EPA's maximum level. While this is well within federal limits, the goal is always zero exposure to heavy metals. Arsenic, chromium, mercury, and cadmium were all undetected in Cedar Grove's water supply.
Cedar Grove heavy metal levels as percentage of EPA limits
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of man-made chemicals created in the 1930s by bonding Carbon with Fluorine - one of the strongest chemical bonds possible. This is what makes them so persistent in the environment and in our bodies. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally.
PFAS are commonly found in non-stick cookware and food packaging
Cedar Grove's PFAS Issue
PFOA: 153% of future EPA limit (6.1 ppt vs. 4.0 ppt limit)
PFOS: 163% of future EPA limit (6.5 ppt vs. 4.0 ppt limit)
PFHxS, HFPO-DA (Gen X), and PFNA: Not detected
Cedar Grove's tap water contains PFOA at 6.1 ppt and PFOS at 6.5 ppt. While these levels are below current NJ state limits, they exceed the EPA's future Maximum Contaminant Level of 4.0 ppt for each compound. This is a key factor in Cedar Grove's Subpar (D) rating.
It's important to note that these future EPA limits are not yet legally enforceable. 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.
Cedar Grove PFAS levels as percentage of future EPA limits (values shown exceed limits)
Other Contaminants
No other significant issues were detected in Cedar Grove's water. Disinfection byproducts (TTHM and HAA5), nitrate, radium, chlorine, and trace metals were all within EPA acceptable limits.
All other contaminants within EPA acceptable limits
Notable Findings:
- TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) at 84% of EPA limit
- HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) at 60% of EPA limit
- Nitrate at 28% of EPA limit
- Radium at 20% of EPA limit
- Chlorine at 18% of EPA limit (used for disinfection)
- All other contaminants at low levels
Our Grading System
We view your tap water as nature's masterpiece. Ideally, the only thing added to it would be a carefully controlled amount of Fluoride as a preventive measure against tooth decay, a position supported by the American Dental Association and other health organizations.
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 Cedar Grove Compare?
The D, Subpar rating is below average 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 - Cedar Grove and neighboring communities
Better than Cedar Grove:
- Orange (A)
- Montclair (B)
Similar or worse than Cedar Grove:
- North Caldwell (D+)
- Little Falls (D+)
- West Caldwell (D+)
- Verona (F)
Our Filter Recommendation
Given the levels of PFAS and heavy metals in Cedar Grove 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 Cedar Grove.
Filter options: Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems and Carbon Block filters
Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department memorial monument
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.