Oct 15, 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Veolia Water New Jersey Sunset Ridge Fails to Meet Established Water Quality Parameter (WQP) Levels
Our water system recently violated a New Jersey drinking water requirement. As our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
Our water system optimizes pH as corrosion control to help prevent lead and/or copper in the pipes from dissolving into the water. The corrosion control treatment was deemed optimized; and therefore, the New Jersey department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) established optimal Water Quality Parameters (WQP) values, which are values the corrosion control treatment functions most effectively. We monitor for WQP values per federal regulations.
During the six-month monitoring periods of January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 and July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 we failed to consistently meet treatment technique requirements for pH. Water quality parameter results did not meet the optimal WQP control values set by the State for seventy-one (71) days in January through June, and one hundred and forty-four (144) days in July through December. During the six-month monitoring period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024 water quality parameter results did not meet the optimal WQP control values set by the State for an additional sixty-four (64) days. The system cannot be outside the values set by the State for nine (9) or more days.
You were previously notified of this violation in public notice(s) issued on 11/1/2023, 1/26/2024, 4/17/2024 and 7/15/2024. Per the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, we will continue to provide you with an updated public notice every 3 months until we complete all approved remedial measures and return to compliance with the optimal WQP values.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. This violation does not mean there is confirmed lead and/or copper in your drinking water. However, since corrosion control treatment is used to protect residents from lead and copper potentially leaching from internal pipes and solder, it is important to be aware of the health effects of lead and copper and steps you may take to reduce your exposure.
• Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
• Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal physician.
If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.
Typically, lead and/or copper enters drinking water by leaching from pipes and plumbing components in homes and/or building(s). We have treatment installed to reduce the wearing away of lead and/or copper leaching from pipes and plumbing components into the water and optimal WQP values set to ensure effectiveness of the treatment. Failure to meet the set values requires us to evaluate the currently installed treatment and operation thereof and take actions necessary to meet the optimal WQP values.
What should I do?
You do not need to use an alternate water supply (e.g., bottled water). However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. Additionally, if you would like to reduce your potential exposure to lead and/or copper in drinking water, you may choose to take the following steps:
• Run water to flush out lead and/or copper. Run water for 15 – 30 seconds or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking if it hasn’t been used for several hours.
• Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; Lead dissolves more quickly into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.
• Do not boil water. Boiling water will not reduce lead and/or copper levels.
• Regularly remove and clean aerators/screens on plumbing fixtures. Over time, particles and sediment can collect in the aerator screen. Regularly remove and clean aerators screens located at the tip of faucets and remove any particles.
For additional steps you may take to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water, see https://www.state.nj.us/dep/watersupply/dwc-lead-consumer.html.
What is being done? Veolia has submitted a permit application to NJDEP to adjust pH in the water system. This application was approved in January 2024 and pH adjustment was installed on March 14, 2024.
Our most recent lead and copper sampling was conducted between 4/13/2024 and 5/1/2024. The results showed lead at 0 parts per billion. The EPA lead action level is 15 parts per billion. Veolia remains in compliance with the lead and copper standards. Veolia will began collecting the next set of semi-annual lead and copper samples in September, 2024.
For more information, please contact Veolia Water New Jersey Customer Service at 1 (888) 770- 6030.
This notice is being sent to you by Veolia Water New Jersey Sunset Ridge. State Water System ID#: NJ1922011.
Date distributed: October 15, 2024 Veolia
Veolia Water New Jersey Highlands Operation
115 Barry Drive North / PO Box 1190 Highland Lakes NJ 07422 tel. +1 973 737 8662 fax +1 973 764 9717
www.veolianorthamerica.com