East Hanover, New Jersey
Water Quality Report
The Verdict: D, Subpar
East Hanover's tap water quality receives a D, or Subpar rating. While levels of heavy metals, biological, radiological, and other contaminants were within EPA limits, exceedance of EPA future limits for PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) is a concern. These elevated PFAS levels were a key contributing factor to East Hanover's D grade. While these limits are not yet legally enforceable, they represent the EPA's latest health-based standards and are used consistently across our analysis.
Important Disclaimer:
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. For the latest tap water information, check with your water provider or municipality. We make no claims, positive or negative, regarding tap water safety.
The Good News
East Hanover's tap water had biological, radiological, pesticides, and disinfecting byproducts that were within EPA limits.
East Hanover uses three municipal wells sourced from the Buried Valley Aquifer plus purchased supplemental supply.
East Hanover Environmental Center
East Hanover Environmental Center
Heavy Metals Analysis
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that can be toxic to humans at certain levels. Common sources include old pipes, industrial discharge, and natural deposits.
East Hanover's Heavy Metals Analysis:
So in East Hanover, the good news is that neither Lead, Mercury nor Cadmium were detected. Less inspiring, but not catastrophic, were relatively low levels of Arsenic and Chromium at 14% and 0.1% of the EPA maximum respectively, but all within EPA limits. However, the ultimate goal for arsenic is zero.
PFAS: "Forever Chemicals"
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals" because their carbon-fluorine bonds make them extremely persistent in the environment and human body.
East Hanover's PFAS Analysis:
PFOA levels reached 350% and PFOS levels reached 150% of EPA future limits. These elevated PFAS levels were a key contributing factor to East Hanover's D grade. While these limits are not yet legally enforceable, they represent the EPA's latest health-based standards and are used consistently across our analysis. These "forever chemicals" require attention and filtration for optimal water quality.
Other Contaminants
No other significant contaminant issues were detected in East Hanover's water supply.
Our Grading System
Like the Mona Lisa, water is nature's masterpiece. We assess tap water quality based on the presence and concentration of various contaminants, comparing them to EPA limits.
Multiple contaminants and their severity levels contribute to the overall grade, reflecting the cumulative impact on water quality.
Water Filter Recommendations
Given the level of PFAS and modest levels of heavy metals, 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
Regional Water Quality Comparison
The D, Subpar rating is actually typical of the local area. Nearby Chatham, New Jersey with lower contaminant levels, was the only local municipality to rate good.
Final Thoughts
We hope that our tap water information has proven helpful.
Notes:
- For the latest tap water information, check with your water provider or municipality.
- 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.