Mahwah Water Tests Above Limit For PFOS Contamination

MAHWAH, NJ — The Mahwah Water Department alerted residents last week that water at one of the township's wells exceeds state levels for a certain contaminant.

Levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in 2021 were 0.016 micrograms per liter (μg/L), which is higher than the state standard of 0.013 μg/L. Boiling water does not remove the PFOS.

PFOS is part of a group of man-made chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are used for industrial and commercial applications. A fact sheet about these chemicals can be found on the state website.

Over time, people who drink water that exceeds standard levels of PFOS could experience problems with their kidney, liver, immune system, and endocrine system, the township said in the letter. Pregnant women who drink water with higher levels of PFOS risk their infant developing problems.

The problem is expected to be resolved by August of 2023, the township said. The Mahwah Water Department is designing a treatment facility at Well #19, where the elevated levels were sampled, to remove the PFOS there.

"Although the use of PFOS has decreased substantially, contamination is expected to continue indefinitely because it is extremely persistent in the environment and is soluble and mobile in water," the township said in a letter to residents.

Mahwah Township offers this advice to residents:

• If you have specific health concerns, a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at higher risk than other individuals and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.
• The New Jersey Department of Health advises that infant formula and other beverages for infants, such as juice, should be prepared with bottled water when PFOS is elevated in drinking water.
• Pregnant, nursing, and women considering having children may choose to use bottled water for drinking and cooking to reduce exposure to PFOS.
• Other people may also choose to use bottled water for drinking and cooking to reduce exposure to PFOS or a home water filter that is certified to reduce levels of PFOS. Home water treatment devices are available that can reduce levels of PFOS. For more specific information regarding the effectiveness of home water filters for reducing PFOS, visit the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International website, http://www.nsf.org/.
• Boiling your water will not remove PFOS.