Irvington, NJ
Tap Water Quality Report
A mixed-use commercial corridor typical of Irvington, NJ
The Verdict
Irvington's tap water quality is rated Good (B). The Township sources its water from the Wanaque and Monksville Reservoirs, located in northern New Jersey. The water quality is notably strong across all major categories. Lead levels are minimal at 1.8 ppb, well below EPA thresholds. Heavy metals including arsenic, chromium, mercury, and cadmium are either undetected or present in very low amounts. Most impressively, PFAS (forever chemicals) levels are within future EPA health limits, with PFOA at 2.0 ppt and PFOS undetected - a significant achievement given PFAS prevalence in many water systems.
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
Irvington is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 54,000 residents. Located west of Newark and adjacent to the Garden State Parkway, Irvington sources its water from the Wanaque and Monksville Reservoirs through a regional surface water system managed by North Jersey District Water Supply Commission.
According to the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), Irvington demonstrates excellent water quality management. Lead was measured at just 1.8 ppb (parts per billion), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. PFOA levels are at 5.4 ppt and PFOS at 4.8 ppt, which meet current New Jersey state standards and are notably close to future EPA limits. The water system shows strong performance in controlling both heavy metals and synthetic contaminants, making it one of the better-performing systems in the Essex County region.
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.
Irvington Heavy Metals Results:
Mercury and Cadmium: Undetected
Lead: Detected at 4% of EPA limit (1.8 ppb vs. 15 ppb action level)
Arsenic: Detected at 20% of EPA limit (2.0 ppb vs. 10 ppb limit)
Chromium: Detected at 0.9% of EPA limit
All heavy metals are well within EPA safety standards. While the goal is zero for lead and arsenic due to their toxicity, Irvington's levels are notably low compared to many other municipalities.
EPA limits and primary health effects for heavy metals
Irvington 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
Irvington PFAS Results:
PFOA: 50% of future EPA limit (2.0 ppt vs. 4.0 ppt limit) - within standards
PFOS: Not detected
PFHxS: Not detected
HFPO-DA (Gen X): Not detected
PFNA: 20% of future EPA limit
Outstanding! Irvington tap water was within all future EPA PFAS health advisory limits, a notable achievement given PFAS prevalence in water systems across the country.
Irvington PFAS levels - all within future EPA health advisory limits
Other Contaminants
No other significant contaminant issues were detected in Irvington's water supply. While iron, disinfection byproducts (TTHM and HAA5), and various minerals are present, they remain within EPA acceptable limits.
Other contaminants in Irvington - all within EPA safety standards
Notable Findings:
- Iron at 67% of EPA limit - may cause aesthetic issues such as rust-colored water
- HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) at 60% of EPA limit
- TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) at 51% of EPA limit
- Uranium at 37% of EPA limit
- Radium at 30% of EPA limit
- Nitrate at 28% of EPA limit
- All other contaminants at 23% 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 Irvington Compare?
The B, Good rating is 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.
Regional water quality comparison - Irvington and neighboring communities
Better than Irvington:
- Orange (A)
- Belleville (B+)
- Montclair (B)
Worse than Irvington:
- Newark (C)
- South Orange (C)
- Hillside (C-)
- Maplewood (D-)
- Union (D+)
- East Orange (D+)
Our Filter Recommendation
Even though Irvington water quality is Good, you may still want to consider using a reverse osmosis (RO) type filter. Alternatively, some Carbon Block filters 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 Irvington.
Filter options: Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems and Carbon Block filters
A residential street environment typical of Irvington, NJ
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.