PFAS Water Contamination at New Jersey American Water - Raritan

PFAS Contamination in NJ American Water – Raritan: What You Need to Know

New Jersey American Water—Raritan recently detected alarming levels of PFOA contamination in its water supply. According to the EPA’s UCMR 5 data, samples collected on January 23, 2024, from the Stony Brook Plant revealed a PFOA level of 7.5 ppt. This level exceeds the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 ppt for PFOA, finalized in April 2024. As a water provider, NJ American Water is responsible for ensuring safe drinking water for its customers in the Raritan area.

The detection of PFAS water contamination in New Jersey, particularly PFOA, at such high levels is deeply concerning and requires immediate action. The utility is conducting a PFAS treatment pilot at the Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant, as reported by Prism Reports, preparing for EPA regulations.

We’re closely monitoring the situation and urge NJ American Water to be transparent about their findings and the steps they are taking to address this water contamination issue. Residents deserve to know the extent of the PFOA contamination and what measures are being implemented to protect their health and well-being. To verify this data, visit the EPA’s UCMR 5 Data Finder and search for PWS ID NJ2004002. Data is updated quarterly, with results as of January 16, 2025.

We urge the water provider to be transparent about their findings and take immediate action to address this serious issue. There is overwhelming evidence showing how PFAS is cancer-causing, such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.

What is PFAS and How Does It Affect Health?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals found in products like firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and water-repellent fabrics. Known as “forever chemicals,” they resist breaking down in the environment and the human body. This leads to bioaccumulation, where PFAS builds up over time in organs like the kidneys and liver. The CDC states that most people in the U.S. have PFAS in their blood, primarily from contaminated drinking water, food, and air. In Texas, where water contamination is a growing concern, understanding these health impacts is vital.

Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, has said, The data linking PFAS to cancer is very clear. This underscores the urgency of addressing PFAS exposure, especially in communities near industrial sites or military bases where contamination is more common.

Health Risks and Protective Steps

PFOA and other PFAS compounds are recognized as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [1]. Extensive research links prolonged exposure to kidney cancer [2], testicular cancer [2], ulcerative colitis [3], liver damage [1], and immune system dysfunction [3]. The 7.5 ppt PFOA level detected at the Stony Brook Plant on January 23, 2024 [4], exceeds the EPA’s proposed Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4.0 ppt for PFOA [7].

Residents must demand full disclosure from New Jersey American Water—Raritan and access water quality reports via their official website [5] or by calling (800) 272-1325. Those with private wells should pursue PFAS testing through the NJDEP [6] or local health departments, as unregulated sources face heightened contamination risks in this region.

References:
[1] EPA. (2024, November 25). Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
[2] National Cancer Institute. (2020, September 23). PFAS and Cancer. https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
[3] CDC/ATSDR. (2022, September 21). PFAS Health Effects. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
[4] EWG. Tap Water Database: NJ American Water – Raritan. https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=NJ2004002
[5] New Jersey American Water. Water Quality Reports. https://www.amwater.com/njaw/water-quality/water-quality-reports/
[6] New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. PFAS Testing. https://www.nj.gov/dep/pfas/
[7] EPA. (2023). Drinking Water Regulations for PFAS. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas

New Jersey American Water—Raritan PFAS Contamination: Critical Information for Residents

New Jersey American Water—Raritan serves communities in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Middlesex Counties, providing drinking water to thousands of residents. On January 23, 2024, a sample from the Stony Brook Plant revealed perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination at 7.5 parts per trillion (ppt). PFOA, a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), is a persistent chemical tied to severe health risks, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis. This detection signals a significant threat to the safety of the Raritan area’s water supply.

Details of PFAS Contamination

The 7.5 ppt PFOA level at the Stony Brook Plant exceeds the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 14 ppt for PFOA when considered in context with potential additional PFAS compounds. This finding is alarming, as scientific evidence confirms that PFOA accumulates in the body over time, amplifying its danger even at levels below broader regulatory thresholds. Potential sources of contamination in the region include industrial discharges, historical use of firefighting foam, or runoff from PFAS-containing materials—each a basis for holding responsible parties accountable.

Residents in Raritan, Bridgewater, Somerville, and surrounding areas must recognize the broader implications. Private wells near industrial zones or military sites in New Jersey have previously shown PFAS contamination, compounding risks for those outside NJ American Water’s system. Transparency and immediate corrective action from the water provider are imperative to protect public health.

Health Risks and Protective Steps

PFOA and other PFAS compounds are recognized as probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Extensive research links prolonged exposure to:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Liver damage
• Immune system dysfunction

Residents must demand full disclosure from New Jersey American Water—Raritan and access water quality reports via their official website or by calling (800) 272-1325. Those with private wells should pursue PFAS testing through the NJDEP or local health departments, as unregulated sources face heightened contamination risks in this region.

What Is PFAS?

PFAS, short for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industries since the 1940s. These chemicals, including PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), are valued for their ability to repel water, oil, and stains, making them common in products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. However, PFAS have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, and immune system impairment.

PFAS enter the environment from multiple sources. Industrial discharges from manufacturing plants that produce or use these chemicals are a primary contributor, releasing PFAS into air, water, and soil. The use of firefighting foam, particularly at military bases, airports, and fire training facilities, is another significant source, as PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is often applied during emergencies or training exercises. Additionally, runoff from landfills where PFAS-laden products are disposed of can leach these chemicals into groundwater and surface water, leading to contamination of drinking water systems.

One of the most concerning aspects of PFAS is their persistence in the environment. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down easily due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which resist natural degradation processes like microbial activity, heat, or chemical reactions. This durability means that once released, PFAS can remain in water supplies, soil, and air for decades, posing a long-term contamination risk.

Furthermore, PFAS can bioaccumulate in living organisms, meaning they build up in the bodies of animals and humans over time, potentially leading to higher concentrations as they move up the food chain.

In the case of NJ American Water – Raritan, PFOA was detected at levels of 7.5 parts per trillion (ppt) at their Stony Brook Plant during a sampling on January 23, 2024. This detection underscores the importance of monitoring and addressing PFAS contamination to ensure the safety of drinking water. As a water provider, NJ American Water – Raritan must take proactive steps to mitigate these risks and protect their customers. We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates on the PFOA detection in their water supply. For the latest information, please follow our Facebook group.

PFAS’s Connection to Cancer

We’re concerned about the potential links between PFAS exposure and certain cancers. Studies have shown associations between PFAS and testicular cancer, kidney cancer, as well as ulcerative colitis.

Let’s look at what the research tells us about these troubling connections.

PFAS and Testicular Cancer

Alarming studies have shown a potential link between exposure to PFAS chemicals and an increased risk of testicular cancer.

PFOA, a type of PFAS, has been detected in the water supplied by NJ American Water – Raritan, specifically at the Stony Brook Plant. This water contamination in New Jersey is causing concern among residents and health experts.

PFAS have been associated with various health issues, and the connection to testicular cancer is particularly worrying.

We’re closely monitoring the situation and urge those affected by the contaminated water to stay informed about the potential risks. Consult your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your health due to PFAS exposure.

We’ll continue to provide updates as more information becomes available about this pressing issue.

PFAS and Ulcerative Colitis

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Has NJ AMERICAN WATER-RARITAN Been Contaminated With PFOA?

We are still determining exactly how long NJ American Water-Raritan has been contaminated with PFOA. Our detection details are from a sample collected on 1/23/2024, which showed a PFOA level of 7.5 ppt.

What Are the Potential Long-Term Health Effects of PFOA Exposure?

We’re concerned about the potential long-term health effects of PFOA exposure, which may include increased risk of certain cancers, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in children. More research is still needed to understand the impacts fully.

Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure

We believe in transparency. As a law firm, we earn fees from successful PFAS claims, but our priority is your health and justice. We’re dedicated to fighting for your rights and pursuing the compensation available under the law.

Marin & Murphy Law Firm is not currently accepting new PFAS claims. This page is general information about water quality and public health, not legal advice, and reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. The firm is licensed in South Carolina, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut; its PFAS matters are handled with co-counsel who maintain local counsel arrangements nationwide. Matthew T. Marin, SC Bar #102771, 997 Morrison Drive, Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29403.