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PFAS

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals historically used in many household and commercial products including nonstick cookware, stain repellants and waterproofing. They are or were also used in industrial applications such as in firefighting foams and electronics production. PFAS do not readily break down in the environment which is why they are often referred to as “forever” chemicals. Over time, PFAS accumulate in people’s bodies and could potentially cause a range of health issues.

Two well-known PFAS chemicals are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). These were phased out of production in the United States in 2000 but are still found in the environment. Newer PFAS like hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (commonly known as GenX), are now used in their place.

On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for these types of PFAS. The regulation calls for a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for:

  • PFOS: 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
  • PFOA: 4 ppt
  • PFHxS: 10 ppt
  • PFNA: 10 ppt
  • GenX (HFPO-DA): 10 ppt

Water systems must begin monitoring for these PFAS within three years (2027), and must comply with the regulation within five years (2029).

Studies indicate that long-term exposure to PFAS over certain levels could have adverse health effects, including developmental effects to fetuses during pregnancy or breastfed infants; cancer; or liver, immunity, thyroid, and other effects. Potential health impacts related to PFAS from all sources (which also include food wrappers, firefighting foam, and non-stick cookware, for example) are still being studied, and research is still evolving on this issue.

How does PFAS get into drinking water?

As PFAS products are manufactured, they can deliver PFAS into our natural environment and into drinking water supplies.

What is MWC doing to address PFAS?

Middlesex has been monitoring drinking water for PFAS since 2008. When PFOA levels were detected above the New Jersey limit at one of its wellfields, MWC successfully implemented treatment utilizing granular activated carbon (GAC) at its Park Avenue wellfield facility. This capability has well positioned us to better respond to this new EPA regulation and to treat surface water at our Carl J. Olsen water treatment plant.

What is MWC currently doing to ensure compliance with new Federal Standards issued on April 10, 2024?

  • MWC is working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, to conduct a PFAS level study, which includes weekly sampling and analysis in the Delaware & Raritan Canal, our surface water supply.
  • MWC is underway with our engineering consultant to complete the preliminary engineering work to evaluate the most effective and appropriate PFAS treatment strategies at this facility.
  • MWC has already commenced identifying potential private or public funding sources for the plant upgrades necessary to meet the EPA new requirements.

Where can I find more information about PFAS in the drinking water supply?

At the national level, the U.S. EPA has implemented drinking water standards for six PFAS and is gathering more information on these and other PFAS chemicals. More information can be found at the U.S. EPA’s Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation.

PFAS health effect information can also be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

MWC PFAS results are included in our Water Quality Reports which can be found under Water Quality on our website.

Latest news about MWC, including PFAS releases »

NJ DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PFAS IN DRINKING WATER FACT SHEET
Environmental Protection Agency General PFAS Information and Supporting Materials

Additional PFAS FAQ's

A part per trillion (ppt) describes the amount of something, in this case PFAS, in water or soil. Here is an idea of what that means:

Parts per Trillion Illustration

Yes. The New Jersey DEP and U.S. EPA is not recommending bottled water for consumers based solely on concentrations of PFAS chemicals in drinking water, even those that exceed the health advisory levels. Additionally, per EPA, studies have shown that only a small amount of PFAS can get into your body through skin. They also highlight that PFAS cannot be removed by heating or boiling water.

PFAS can still be found in many consumer products. One way to reduce exposure is to research and think what products you are buying and using.

  • Buy products from companies who have committed to removing PFAS from their manufacturing.

  • Be aware. Many companies are working to remove PFAS from their products; however, until the removal is complete, products including nonstick cookware stain repellants, and waterproofing may have PFAS. PFAS are also found in certain types of food packaging, household products and personal care products like dental floss, shampoo, nail polish, facial moisturizers, eye make-up, and more.

MATERIALS VERIFICATION TEST

The Materials Verification Test below can help you figure out if you have a lead, galvanized steel, copper, or plastic service line on the portion of the service line you own. When you have completed the visual inspection, please submit your results using the following survey link. If you have a lead or galvanized steel service line, Middlesex Water will contact you to confirm the results and schedule your service line replacement.

What you need:

  1. House key or coin
  2. Strong refrigerator magnet

Steps to check your service line:

  1. Find the water meter in your basement or outside your home and look at the service line that enters the water meter.
  2. Use the house key or coin to carefully scratch the pipe surface.
  3. Compare the scratched area to the following descriptions:
    • If it looks shiny and silver, the pipe is made of lead. A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.
    • If it is a dull gray color with no noticeable scratch on the surface, the pipe is galvanized steel. A magnet will stick to a galvanized steel pipe.
    • If it is the same color as a penny, the pipe is copper. A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe.
    • If it is smooth and red, blue, white, or black, the pipe is plastic. A magnet will not stick to a plastic pipe.
  4. Report your service line material in this SURVEY

ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

THE MIDDLESEX WATER ENTERPRISE WILL:

• Comply with, or produce results better than, applicable laws and regulations set forth by state utility commissions and government environmental regulatory agencies.

• Include the consideration of environmental impact in all business strategies, initiatives and project plans.

• Work to ensure a reliable source of water supply.

• Promote respect for the environment as part of our Company’s culture among employees and our suppliers in their daily operations.

• Focus on reducing the amount of water lost (non-revenue) in our distribution system and employ leak detection and other available technology to achieve this goal.

• Prevent pollution, reduce waste and minimize the consumption of resources to minimize risks to the environment.

• Continually work to educate customers about the importance of protecting and preserving our natural resources and the importance of wise water use.

• Educate, train and motivate employees to carry out tasks in an environmentally responsible manner.

• Build in system resiliency to mitigate effects of climate change and other short and long-term climate related challenges.

• Use efficient practices that save fuel, energy and water.

• Work with our industry and legislative representatives to shape public policy and legislation that supports water objectives and helps ensure safe drinking water.

• Invest prudently in our systems for infrastructure stability, operational resiliency and continued sustainability utilizing sound asset management planning.

• Engage with our community to ensure responsiveness to local needs and interests.

• Work in collaboration with our communities, local municipal officials and our vendors to ensure a clean, safe, reliable and resilient water supply.