Lincoln Park Water Department

The Safe Drinking Water Act mandates utilities to publish reports on water quality. Lincoln Park Water Division is pleased to share our 2014 water testing results with customers. This report explains your water's source, treatment processes, and safety measures.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has completed and issued The Source Water Assessment Report for this public water system (PVWC1605002), available at www.state.NJ.us/dep/swap or by contacting NJDEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at (609) 292-5550.

WHERE DOES MY WATER COME FROM?

Water is collected in reservoirs, professionally treated, and distributed through an extensive underground piping network. Clean water flows through a system of pipes that are flushed twice yearly (Spring and Fall) to remove natural sediments through our fire hydrants. Your recycling calendar lists these hydrant flushing schedules.

Except for The Jacksonville area, Lincoln Park receives water from the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWC) maintained by Passaic Valley Water Commission of Little Falls. Water sources include the 29.6 billion gallon Wanaque Reservoir and 7 billion gallon Monksville Dam. Two pumps can supply an additional 250 million gallons daily from the Ramapo River into the Wanaque Reservoir when necessary.

SUSCEPTIBILITY RATINGS

The susceptibility ratings table shows ratings for seven contaminant categories (and radon) for each water source in the system. It indicates the number of wells and intakes rated high (H), medium (M), or low (L) for each category. For purchased water susceptibility, refer to the specific water system's assessment report.

A high susceptibility rating doesn't mean customers are consuming contaminated water. It reflects the potential for contamination, not actual presence. Public water systems must monitor regulated contaminants and install treatment if any are detected above allowable levels. Based on testing results, DEP may modify monitoring schedules according to susceptibility ratings.

HEALTH INFORMATION

All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through ground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive material, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants including salts and metals, naturally occurring or from urban stormwater runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants, either naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining activities

Contaminant presence doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safety. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791.

1. How could I have used this much water? You likely haven't - meter readings might have been transposed or difficult to read. You may have an undetected leaky toilet or faucet. Contact our office and we'll help resolve the issue.
2. What should I do about low water pressure? First check your meter and surrounding area for possible leaks. Then call our office to report the low pressure at your location.
3. Why is my water discolored? Recent repairs may have allowed air to enter the line, causing a milky appearance. This is typically temporary.
4. What chemicals are added to our water? Only chemicals approved by the National Safety Foundation for drinking water treatment are used in our system.
5. My water tastes, smells, or looks unusual. Is it safe? All public water systems must maintain minimum disinfectant levels by state law - 0.2 mg/L chlorine (tested at line endpoints) or 0.5 mg/L for systems using chloramine. We test these levels daily to ensure safety.
6. Why do particles appear when running hot water? Your water heater likely needs flushing. CAUTION: Manufacturers typically recommend hiring a professional for this service. If attempting yourself, consult your owner's manual to prevent injury or damage.
7. Why do I have a previous balance when I've already paid? We may have received your payment after the due date or possibly not received it. Call our office for assistance resolving this issue.