Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority

Water Quality Graph Definitions

• AL: Action Level - the concentration of contaminants which, if exceeded, triggers treatment requirements that water systems must follow.
• CDC: Center for Disease Control
• CU: Color Unit
• Disinfection Byproduct Precursors: Typically originate from natural organic matter in surface water. Byproducts form when disinfectants (usually chlorine) react with dissolved organic materials.
• HAA5: Haloacetic Acids (sum of five compounds)
• Inorganic Contaminants: Include naturally-occurring or human-caused salts and metals from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or agriculture.
• LRAA: Locational running annual average
• MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level - highest level of a contaminant allowed in municipal water.
• MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - contaminant level below which no health risks are expected.

• Microbial Contaminants: Disease-causing organisms such as bacteria and viruses from sewage plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife.
• MPN: Most Probable Number
• MRDL: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level - highest permitted disinfectant level in water.
• MRDLG: Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal - disinfectant level below which no health risks are known.
• NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
• Organic Contaminants: Compounds including synthetic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum products, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems.

• Pesticides: Man-made chemicals for pest control from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
• ppb: parts per billion (approximately equal to micrograms per liter)
• ppm: parts per million (approximately equal to milligrams per liter)
• Radioactive Contaminants: Both naturally occurring and man-made substances including radium and uranium.
• Radon: Colorless, odorless, cancer-causing gas naturally present in the environment.
• RUL: Recommended Upper Limit - highest suggested level to protect aesthetic quality.
• TTHM: Total Trihalomethanes (sum of four compounds)
• TT: Treatment Technique - required process to reduce contaminant levels in water.
• Turbidity: Measure of water cloudiness that can affect disinfectant effectiveness.

1. What are the fees for connecting to the City's Water and/or Sewer System?
   To connect to the water/sewer system, you must first complete a permit application with the Engineering Department. Any Infiltration and Inflow fees must be paid upon approval. After Engineering approval, there's a $10.00 fee for sewer connections paid at the Water-Sewer Department. Water connections have no additional fee.
2. Why is my Water & Sewer Bill so High?
   High bills typically result from estimated readings (marked with "E") or actual leaks (readings marked with "A"). Estimated readings happen when touchpads are inaccessible or meters malfunction. Actual high readings often indicate leaky toilets or faulty plumbing. Dye tablets are available to check toilet leaks. Contact the Water Billing Office at (781) 314-3810 to discuss your bill or potential abatements.
3. What happens if I do not pay my Water & Sewer Bill?
   Bills are due within 30 days. Unpaid amounts accrue 1% interest monthly. Accounts over 90 days in arrears at November's end will have the balance added as a lien to next year's Real Estate Tax Bill per Massachusetts law, plus a $25.00 lien fee.
4. How Can I Tell if my Water Meter is Broken?
   The City uses displacement water meters that measure flow only when water passes through. Broken meters slow down and eventually stop recording usage. A meter cannot speed up and record excessive water usage.
5. What are the equivalent gallons for one cubic foot?
   There are 7.48 gallons in one cubic foot of water. To convert gallons to cubic feet, divide by 7.48. To convert cubic feet to gallons, multiply by 7.48.
6. Who is permitted to repair my water meter?
   Only certified employees of the City's Water and Sewer Division may install, remove or repair city meters and touchpads. The meter must remain accessible for inspection and reading. Meters damaged by frost or negligence will be repaired at the customer's expense.