Roseland, New Jersey - Tap Water Quality Report
The Verdict
Roseland's tap water earns a D-, or Subpar rating, which is below average for the local area. Roseland's greatest weakness is contamination with PFAS or forever chemicals. This factor alone, contributed the most to Roseland's subpar grade. While Roseland's heavy metals and other contaminants are presently within EPA limits, they do not stand out as particularly good.
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.
The Good News
Biological and radiological contaminants were found to be within EPA limits.
Roseland purchases its water via a local well. Much of northern New Jersey gets its tap water from surface reservoirs. However, Roseland taps into underlying aquifers, including the Watchung Basalt, Brunswick Shale, and Stratified Glacial Drift.
Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland, NJ
Heavy Metals
What Are Heavy Metals?
Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury, and cadmium are toxic elements that can accumulate in the body over time, potentially causing serious health problems. Lead is particularly concerning for children's brain development, while arsenic and chromium are known carcinogens. Mercury affects the nervous system, and cadmium can damage kidneys and bones.
Roseland's Heavy Metals
Mercury and cadmium were not detected, which is very good news. However, lead was detected at 13%, arsenic at 20%, and chromium at 1.7%. Although these three contaminants are currently within EPA limits, they are present in detectible amounts. However, the ultimate goal for both lead and arsenic is to be so low as to be undetectable.
PFAS - Forever Chemicals
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally. Used in non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam, PFAS have contaminated water supplies nationwide. These chemicals are linked to cancer, immune system problems, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in children.
Roseland's PFAS
Roseland has significantly exceeded EPA future limits for PFAS at 250% PFOA and 300% PFOS. This was a key contributor to the subpar, D- grade. The EPA has just adopted future limits for six PFAS contaminants, all of which are now legally mandated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Other Contaminants
Other than the heavy metals and PFAS previously mentioned, no other significant issues were detected. All additional contaminants tested were within EPA limits.
Roseland, NJ Municipal Building
Our Grading System
Think of water quality like the Mona Lisa. The original masterpiece is flawless. As you add contaminants - like splashing paint on the painting - the quality degrades. A little lead here, some PFAS there, and suddenly your water looks less like a Renaissance masterpiece and more like modern art gone wrong.
The more toxic the contaminant, in greater quantity, the lower the grade. Multiple contaminants further affect the grade. For instance, water containing both lead and arsenic would result in a worse grade than having either, individually.
Local Comparisons
The D-, Subpar rating is below 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.
Filter Recommendations
Given the levels of PFAS and heavy metals in Roseland tap water, we recommend using a reverse osmosis (RO) type filter with a NSF/ANSI 58 standard.
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 Roseland.
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.
Woods behind the Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland, NJ