New Brunswick Drinking Water: Safe?

The safety of drinking water in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has been a topic of discussion and concern among residents and experts. While some sources claim that the tap water in the city is generally safe for consumption, others point out instances of contamination and violations of health standards.

According to a report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), New Brunswick's drinking water was found to contain 23 total contaminants from 2013 to 2019, with some contaminants exceeding the EWG's health guidelines. These contaminants include bromodichloromethane, chloroform, chromium (hexavalent), and dibromoacetic acid, which are byproducts of water disinfection and can increase the risk of cancer and cause problems during pregnancy.

Additionally, the EWG report highlights the discrepancy between legal limits set by the federal government and the latest health guidelines. They argue that legal limits for contaminants are outdated and may not reflect the most recent scientific understanding of safe drinking water.

In contrast, a source from 2014 states that New Jersey's tap water is safe to drink. However, it mentions an incident in New Brunswick where a municipal employee ignored high contaminant levels, increasing the risk to residents. This incident underscores the importance of regular water quality monitoring and the need for transparent reporting of water quality violations.

More recently, in 2022, it was reported that New Brunswick's tap water is generally considered safe, with no active health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, it is important to consider factors such as lead piping in homes and low levels of pollutants that could impact immunocompromised individuals.

The New Jersey Department of Health also emphasizes the state's strict standards for public drinking water and comprehensive private well testing requirements. They work to provide the best available science to support safe drinking water and improve the quality of drinking water for New Jersey residents.

In summary, while New Brunswick's tap water is generally considered safe, there have been instances of contamination and violations, highlighting the dynamic nature of water quality and the need for ongoing monitoring and improvement. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about their local water quality and take appropriate measures to ensure their drinking water is safe.

New Brunswick's tap water is generally considered safe to drink

However, it is important to note that legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years. The EWG has found that the tap water in New Brunswick may contain regulated and unregulated contaminants in trace amounts, which could potentially cause health issues over the long term, especially for immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EWG has detected 23 total contaminants in New Brunswick's tap water, including:

• Bromodichloromethane
• Chloroform
• Chromium (hexavalent)
• Dibromoacetic acid
• Dibromochloromethane
• Dichloroacetic acid
• Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
• Haloacetic acids (HAA9)
• Nitrate
• Nitrate and nitrite
• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
• Trichloroacetic acid
• Aluminium
• Barium
• Chlorate
• Fluoride
• Manganese
• Monobromoacetic acid
• Monochloroacetic acid
• Selenium
• Strontium
• Vanadium

While the presence of these contaminants does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe to drink, it highlights the importance of staying informed about water quality and taking appropriate measures to ensure clean drinking water.

However, the water has contaminants that exceed health guidelines

New Brunswick, New Jersey's Water Contamination Crisis

New Brunswick, New Jersey's tap water is generally considered safe to drink, with no active health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). However, the water has contaminants that exceed health guidelines. From 2012 to 2017, nine total contaminants were found across the water supply, with two exceeding the Environmental Working Group's guidelines. These contaminants are linked to cancer, damage to the brain and nervous system, hormonal disruption, problems in pregnancy, and other serious health conditions.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found a discrepancy between the current legal limits for contaminants and the latest scientific studies on safe consumption levels. While tap water that meets EPA health guidelines won't cause immediate illness, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants at trace levels, which could pose health risks over time, especially for vulnerable individuals.

New Brunswick's water supply is sourced from surface water, which is treated with chlorine and other disinfectants. These treatment processes can form harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which have been detected in the water at levels exceeding health guidelines. Additionally, other contaminants such as nitrate, chromium (hexavalent), and perfluorinated chemicals have been found above recommended levels. These contaminants can increase the risk of cancer, harm fetal growth and development, and cause other health issues.

The presence of these contaminants in New Brunswick's water highlights the need for updated regulations and stricter standards to ensure safe drinking water for all residents. While the water is considered safe according to federal health-based drinking water standards, it's important for residents to be aware of the potential risks associated with long-term consumption of water containing these contaminants, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Taking Action and Staying Informed

Residents of New Brunswick can take proactive measures to ensure their drinking water is safe. Water filters can be used to reduce contaminant levels, and information on recommended filters is available through resources like EWG's Water Filter Guide. Staying informed about the latest water quality reports and violations is also crucial. The EPA's ECHO database provides detailed information on water quality and violations, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their water consumption and take appropriate measures to ensure their health and safety.

New Jersey has strict standards for public drinking water

However, there are still hundreds of unregulated chemicals found in New Jersey's drinking water, and only a few dozen standards have been developed over the past 30 years. While the state has taken steps to address this issue, such as advocating for the revival of the carbon filtration program, more work needs to be done to ensure that all contaminants are properly regulated and that the public has access to safe drinking water.

In the case of New Brunswick, the water provided by the local utility was found to be in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards during the period from January to March 2021. However, it is important to note that legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years, and there may be a discrepancy between these limits and the latest health guidelines.

To ensure the safety of drinking water, it is recommended to use water filters or testing kits, which can help reduce exposure to potential contaminants.

The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing if its regulations around pollutant levels are strict enough

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary federal agency responsible for protecting people and the environment from harmful pollution exposure. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA sets limits on specific air pollutants and works with state, tribal, and local governments to achieve these standards. However, the EPA has faced criticism for not updating legal limits for contaminants in tap water in almost 20 years.

In response to this criticism, the EPA is currently reviewing its regulations around pollutant levels to ensure they are stringent enough to protect public health. This review is informed by the latest scientific research, which reveals that some pollutants can harm human health and the environment even at very low levels.

The EPA's recent revision of standards for five out of six common air pollutants is a step towards ensuring stricter regulations. Additionally, the EPA has been working to address the issue of indoor air pollution, which is not regulated under the Clean Air Act, by offering assistance and resources to protect indoor air quality.

The EPA's efforts to reduce air pollution include implementing the Clean Power Plan, which aims to reduce carbon pollution from power plants, and setting emissions standards for vehicles and industrial equipment. These actions demonstrate the agency's commitment to protecting public health and the environment by regularly reviewing and updating its regulations.

The safety of drinking water in New Brunswick, NJ, has been a concern for residents, with reports of high contaminant levels and a lack of updated legal limits. While the water has been deemed safe by some, it is recommended that residents take proactive measures such as using water filters or testing their water quality to ensure its safety.

New Brunswick's water utility had 1 health-based violation and 11 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act

New Brunswick's Water Quality

New Brunswick, New Jersey's tap water is generally considered safe to drink. However, it is important to be aware of the presence of any contaminants and the potential impact on health, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a crucial piece of legislation that ensures the safety of drinking water in the United States. Between April 30, 2019, and June 30, 2022, New Brunswick's water utility, New Brunswick W Dept, had one health-based violation and eleven non-health-based violations of the SDWA.

Health-Based Violations

Health-based violations are typically more serious and indicate that the maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded. In the case of New Brunswick, the health-based violation during this period was related to the Lead and Copper Rule. This rule is designed to protect public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water, as these metals can have detrimental effects on human health, particularly in children and vulnerable individuals.

Non-Health-Based Violations

While non-health-based violations are less severe, they still warrant attention. These types of violations are related to issues such as failure to conduct regular monitoring of water quality, submit monitoring results on time, or provide immediate notification to consumers about serious problems with their drinking water.

Contaminants Detected

It is important to note that the presence of contaminants does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe. However, it is essential to be aware of their potential impact on health. Some of the contaminants detected in New Brunswick's water supply include:

• Lead
• Copper
• Chlorine
• Nitrate
• Chromium (hexavalent)
• Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
• Haloacetic acids (HAA5 and HAA9)
• Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
• Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
• 1,2,3-Trichloropropane
• Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)
• Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
• Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
• 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP)
• Carbon tetrachloride

Recommendations

To ensure the safest drinking water, consider using a water filter that can reduce the levels of contaminants. Additionally, staying informed about the latest water quality reports and advocating for stricter regulations to protect public health are also important steps towards ensuring clean and safe drinking water for all.

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