Glen Ridge, NJ
Water Quality Report
Rating: B (Good)
Glen Ridge's tap water rates as Good with modest levels of heavy metals, most notably arsenic at 20% of the EPA limit, which is still within EPA safety guidelines. PFAS levels are also within EPA future limits. While regulatory compliance is met, Glen Ridge residents may want to consider filtration, especially for vulnerable populations, as there is no safe level for lead or arsenic.
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.
Glen Ridge's tap water had biological, radiological, pesticides, and disinfecting byproducts that were within EPA limits.
Glen Ridge receives water from the Wanaque and Monksville Reservoirs.
Picturesque Glen Ridge Region
What are Heavy Metals?
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth's crust. While some are essential nutrients in small amounts, others can be toxic even at low concentrations. They can enter water supplies through natural deposits, industrial discharge, or corroding pipes.
Glen Ridge's Heavy Metal Levels
Mercury and Cadmium were not detected in Glen Ridge's water. Lead, Arsenic, and Chromium were present but within EPA limits. However, health experts agree that there is no safe level for lead or arsenic, making filtration worth considering.
What are PFAS?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals used in numerous consumer products since the 1940s. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them extremely persistent in the environment and human body, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."
Glen Ridge's PFAS Levels
Glen Ridge's PFAS levels are within EPA future limits, which is positive news given the widespread prevalence of these contaminants.
No other significant issues were detected in Glen Ridge's water supply. All measured contaminants including HAA5, TTHM, Uranium, Radium, Nitrate, Barium, Antimony, and Copper were within EPA limits.
Just as multiple brushstrokes create a complete painting, multiple contaminants affect overall water quality. A single contaminant exceeding EPA limits typically results in a failing grade, while combinations of contaminants within limits can still impact the overall rating. Glen Ridge's B grade reflects good water quality with modest levels of certain contaminants that remain within safety standards.
The B, Good rating is actually way above 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.
Even though Glen Ridge's water quality is good, given the modest levels of heavy metals, especially arsenic, you may want to consider 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
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.