Are PFAS a problem in Ridgewood Township, Bergen County, NJ water? According to federal monitoring results for the public water system serving this area, multiple PFAS compounds have been detected above reporting levels. Understanding how these measure against federal guidelines can help you decide which type of household water treatment is appropriate.
PFAS Compared to More Commonly Confused Water Issues
Many water concerns overlap or are mistaken for others. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) differ from typical contaminants like bacteria or heavy metals. They are synthetic chemicals known for persistence in water and the environment. Ridgewood’s data show frequent detections of PFOA and PFOS above the federal reporting level, though these levels are well below some regulatory limits that will take effect in 2024.
How the C-Series System Removes PFAS From Household Water
The documented solution for removing PFAS in residential settings like Ridgewood is the C-Series PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter. This system uses specialized filtration media designed to reduce a broad spectrum of PFAS compounds effectively. It ships ready to configure and targets the specific PFAS identified in local water system sampling, reducing these compounds before they reach household taps.
Plumbing Material and Age: Independent Factors in PFAS Presence
The presence and measurement of PFAS do not depend on plumbing material or age in Ridgewood homes. PFAS contamination primarily originates from the water source rather than leaching from household plumbing. However, older plumbing may affect other water quality aspects unrelated to PFAS, so separate testing is advised for comprehensive analysis.
How PFAS Enter Ridgewood’s Surface Water and Distribution System
Ridgewood Water system draws from surface sources susceptible to PFAS contamination from industrial, commercial, and runoff sources in the broader watershed. These persistent chemicals can enter rivers and reservoirs that supply the system, leading to the detections recorded in system monitoring. Understanding the source type helps in targeting treatment technologies effectively.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variations in PFAS Levels
Sampling data from March 2023 through March 2025 shows consistent detections of PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS compounds in Ridgewood’s water system. Although concentrations fluctuate within a range, median values remain relatively stable. This pattern suggests ongoing, steady presence rather than occasional spikes, underlining the need for continuous treatment.
Sample Size and Monitoring Details Behind Ridgewood’s PFAS Figures
The data represent 38 samples collected from the Ridgewood Water system over two years. With these samples coming from 20,481 connections, the figures provide a reliable regional snapshot but do not reflect individual household levels. Testing your home water is necessary to know your specific situation.
What Not to Conclude From Ridgewood’s Regional PFAS Data
Do not assume your residential water matches system detection levels exactly. A detection above reporting levels indicates measurement presence, not a violation or unsafe condition. While these federal data inform the type of treatment you might consider, local testing is essential for tailored decisions. The C-Series PFAS Forever Chemicals Filter offers a documented method to reduce these compounds once you know they are a concern.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-03-04. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR5 monitoring (2023-2025) for RIDGEWOOD WATER (NJ0251001), NJ: 380 results across 10 listed contaminants, 248 detections above the reporting level; 62 results above a 2024 federal MCL