Montclair, New Jersey - Tap Water Quality

All biological and radiological contaminants were either undetectable or well within EPA limits. This is great news and means that Montclair's water treatment processes are effectively handling these types of contaminants. Additionally, pesticides and disinfection byproducts are also well within safe limits.

Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury, and cadmium can leach into drinking water from natural deposits, industrial pollution, or aging infrastructure. Even at low levels, prolonged exposure to these contaminants can cause serious health issues, including neurological damage, cancer, and organ failure.

The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for these metals, but many health experts argue that there is no truly "safe" level of exposure, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Montclair's tap water shows good results for heavy metals. Low levels of lead (4.3% of EPA maximum), arsenic (20%), and chromium (0.9%) were detected, all well within EPA limits. Mercury and cadmium were not detected. While these levels are safe, the goal is for lead and arsenic to be undetectable, as there is no truly safe level of exposure to these metals.

In the 1930s, chemists discovered that by bonding carbon to fluorine, they could create incredibly stable compounds that resisted heat, water, and oil. These compounds, known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), became the backbone of countless products: non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam, and even food packaging.

But there was a catch: PFAS don't break down. Ever. They accumulate in the environment, in our bodies, and in our water supplies. The EPA has set a limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for certain PFAS compounds—a level so low it's almost unimaginable. To put that in perspective, 4 ppt is like finding 4 drops of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

On a more positive note, no other significant issues were detected in Montclair tap water. All measured contaminants including copper, antimony, barium, nitrate, radium, uranium, TTHM (total trihalomethanes), and HAA5 (haloacetic acids) are well within EPA limits. While some contaminants like HAA5 (60%), TTHM (51%), and uranium (37%) are at moderate levels, they remain safely below regulatory thresholds.

To better understand our grading system, think of H2O or water as nature's masterpiece. Marking it up, or adding contaminants, generally diminishes its quality. Purer water or at least within all EPA limits will result in a good grade. Note that there are a few exceptions to the "less is more" rule. Fluoride, in the right quantity, can contribute to long term dental health, especially in children. Calcium, magnesium and potassium are also important nutrients. Note that these nutrients can also be obtained with a balanced diet or in the case of fluorine, by using fluoridated toothpaste.

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. Montclair's solid B grade places it among the better-performing communities in the region, significantly outperforming many neighboring towns.