Pemberton Twp Department Main

We are pleased to present you with the 2018 Annual Municipal Water Quality Report. This document is designed to inform you about the quality of water and services we provided in 2017. Our constant goal is to deliver a safe and dependable water supply to all residents.

Pemberton Township operates six active wells - four drawing from the Mount Laurel/Wenonah Aquifer and two from the Englishtown Aquifer. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has completed a Source Water Assessment Report for our system, available at WWW.state.NJ.US/dep/swap or by contacting NJDEP's Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at (609) 292-5550. You may also reach our water system directly at 609-894-3374 for information about your water system's Source Water Assessment.

We're proud to report that our municipal water meets all federal and state requirements. We want our valued customers to stay informed about their water utility. For questions about this report or your water utility, please contact George Peacock at 609-894-3374. To learn more, attend our regularly scheduled Township Committee meetings at the Municipal Building, 500 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road, held on the first and third Wednesdays monthly at 7:30 p.m. You can also visit our website at http://www.pemberton-twp.com.

The Pemberton Township Water Department routinely monitors constituents in your municipal water according to Federal and State regulations. Our monitoring data from January through December 2017 is shown in this report. Some contaminants are tested less frequently as their concentrations rarely change. Some of our data, while representative, may be more than one year old.

Municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive material, and may pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, which can occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial waste, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that can be naturally occurring or result from resource extraction activities

All municipal water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Some individuals may be more vulnerable to certain water contaminants than the general population.

1. Is tap water safe to consume? Yes! Pemberton's water meets all regulatory standards set by New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Our certified professionals work year-round to ensure safe, quality water delivery to your home.
2. Where does my water come from? Our water system draws primarily from groundwater aquifers. The Mount Laurel/Wenonah Aquifer supplies approximately 66% of our water through four wells, while the Englishtown Aquifer provides the remaining 34% through two wells.
3. Why does my water occasionally smell or taste unusual? Water can develop odors or tastes for several reasons. New plumbing installations, stagnant water after extended absences, or seasonal algae blooms can affect taste and smell. While these changes may be noticeable, they're typically harmless and temporary. Our treatment processes aim to minimize these aesthetic issues.
4. Why does my water sometimes appear discolored? Discoloration typically results from rust in aging pipes. Though unappealing visually, it's generally NOT harmful to health. Persistent discoloration might indicate sediment buildup requiring service line maintenance. Contact our customer service at (609) 894-3373 for assistance.
5. Why does my water look cloudy sometimes? This cloudiness usually comes from tiny air bubbles created by faucet pressure changes. The water is safe, and the cloudiness will disappear within minutes as the air dissolves.
6. What chemicals are added during water treatment? Our treatment process may include chlorine dioxide for taste and odor control, powdered activated carbon for severe taste/odor events, potassium permanganate for manganese removal, and poly aluminum sulfate to bind particles. After filtration, we add chlorine for disinfection, occasionally adjust pH with sodium hydroxide, and add ammonium sulfate to create longer-lasting chloramines.
7. Do I need a home water filter? Your tap water meets all safety standards. Consider a filter only if you have internal plumbing concerns or prefer additional treatment.
8. Are there special considerations for fish tanks? Yes, always use a dechlorinating agent to remove chloramine from water before adding it to aquariums. These products are available at pet supply stores.
9. Is there lead in my water? Pemberton's treated water contains no lead. However, lead may be present in older home plumbing. Homes built before WWII with lead service lines or those constructed between 1982-1987 using copper pipes with lead solder may be at higher risk. If your home fits these categories, consider having your plumbing evaluated.
10. Should I worry about radon in my water? No, our municipal supply uses only surface water sources like reservoirs and streams, which naturally contain no radon.