Maplewood, NJ
Tap Water Quality Report
The Verdict: D-, Subpar
Maplewood's water quality receives a D-, Subpar rating. While heavy metals and most other contaminants are within EPA limits, PFAS levels at 225% and 250% of EPA future limits is a concern. These "forever chemicals" require attention and filtration for optimal water quality.
Important Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. Consult with your healthcare provider or local water authority for specific concerns about your water quality.
The Good News
Maplewood's water shows positive results in several key areas. Biological and radiological contaminants, pesticides, and disinfecting byproducts are all within EPA safety limits, providing a solid foundation of water quality.
Maplewood receives all its water from the Short Hills system, which sources from the Passaic River, Canoe Brook, the Brunswick Aquifer, glacial deposits, and purchased supplies, ensuring a diverse and reliable water supply.
Maplewood Municipal Building
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that can be toxic at certain levels. Common sources include old pipes (lead), natural deposits (arsenic), and industrial processes (chromium, mercury, cadmium).
Maplewood's Heavy Metals Analysis: Mercury and Cadmium were not detected. Lead was found at 10% of EPA limits, Arsenic at 20%, and Chromium at 1.0% of EPA limits. All heavy metals are within EPA safety standards.
While these levels are within EPA limits, the EPA maintains that there is no safe level of lead or arsenic exposure, particularly for children and pregnant women.
PFAS - "Forever Chemicals"
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them extremely persistent in the environment and human body.
Maplewood's PFAS Analysis: PFOA levels reached 225% and PFOS levels reached 250% of EPA future limits. These elevated PFAS levels were a key contributing factor to Maplewood'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.
Other Contaminants
Beyond heavy metals and PFAS, Maplewood's water was tested for numerous other contaminants. All other tested contaminants including disinfection byproducts, uranium, nitrate, and other substances remained within EPA safety limits, indicating no other significant water quality concerns.
Our Grading System
Just as the Mona Lisa represents artistic perfection, clean water represents nature's masterpiece. Our grading system evaluates how close your water comes to this ideal, considering all contaminants and their potential health impacts.
Grades range from A (Excellent) to F (Poor), with multiple factors considered including the number of contaminants present, their concentration levels, and their potential health effects. Even small amounts of certain contaminants can impact the overall grade.
How Does Maplewood Compare?
The D-, Subpar rating is actually typical of the local area. Nearby Chatham, New Jersey had lower levels of contaminants and scored in the Good Range.
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
Maplewood's vibrant downtown district
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.