Water Department
Water Clarity Issues:
4-8-25 Update: H2M is currently working on a computer hydraulic model of the Waldwick water system. Using information provided by the Borough, H2M is developing a hydraulic model of the complete water system. Hydraulic models such as the one being developed can be an invaluable tool in understanding system behavior – and, using this information, to optimize decision-making regarding system operations. A general framework has been developed, and a flow test plan needed to calibrate the model has been developed. H2M will be working with the Borough over the next several weeks to complete the field flow testing throughout the Borough. When the model is calibrated H2M will run various modeling scenarios to develop recommendations for addressing the water quality complaints. H2M is also continuing to review logged information about customer calls regarding water quality to incorporate in the recommendations.
At the March 11th Council Meeting, we awarded a contract to H2M Architects & Engineering to perform a Hydraulic Study on the entire water system, which will help gather critical data to help us identify the root cause(s) of the discoloration, odor and taste issues a portion of the town has been experiencing. We will provide more updates as that study gets underway.
We also have an updated Water Clarity Reporting form we are encouraging residents to fill out to help us track the issues, which can be found here: https://www.waldwicknj.gov/waterclarityissues. We appreciate your help in identifying unknown issues.
Summary of our awareness of water clarity and taste issues some customers have reported starting around late-August to September 2024, including steps we have taken, and planned next steps.
*All required sampling, and additional diagnostic sampling indicate that the water continues to be safe to drink*
Notable Timelines:
- Water Main Break – June 10-12, 2024
- Repairs completed by June 12th
- Boil Water Advisory lifted June 13th
- These repairs and subsequent flushing, in the affected area, should have resolved this period of discolored water.
- Startup of new PFAS Treatment systems – early July 2024
- Treatment to remove PFAS compounds was added
- As treatment was brought online, some locations have required routine maintenance. This increased maintenance resulted in wells running in a different pattern than prior to these new treatment systems being brought online.
- System Hydrant Flushing - Late July 2024
- As part of implementing the PFAS system, hydrant flushing was implemented to remove any areas of older/untreated water.
- Late August – customer complaints – investigations were conducted regarding possible water main leaks or other potential causes. Samples collected in early September indicated slightly elevated iron concentration, but tested negative for coliform, indicating that the water mains were intact. Elevated iron can cause an unpleasant taste of the water and staining of laundry.
- Early September - Waldwick Water completed a program of water main flushing around the area of customer complaints.
- Late September through December - Additional water main flushing conducted, in response to new complaints and as part of routine system maintenance.
- January 2025 – Working with Water Engineering firm to assist with investigation of potential sources and to help develop a plan to identify, address, and correct the issue.
- *Updates will be posted as new information is available.
*Please continue to report issues with your water via our online submission form HERE, Phone at 201-652-5300 ext. 228 or Email to Steven Neale, sneale@waldwicknj.gov
PFAS Update
3-14-25 Update: We are pleased to report that we recently received our termination letter from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection regarding our Administrative Consent Order related to PFAS compliance.
It states, “The Department has determined that all conditions of the compliance schedule of the ACO have been satisfied and that the perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (“PFOS”) samples collected, pursuant to paragraph 28 of the ACO, demonstrate that the installed treatment systems are providing drinking water that is under the New Jersey PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels (“MCLs”).”
It goes on to say, “ Please also note that the Department considers your water system returned to compliance with the New Jersey PFOA and PFOS MCL(s), as two consecutive quarterly compliance samples have shown compliance with the MCL(s) following completion of the ACO compliance schedule.”
We would like to thank everyone for your patience and understanding throughout this whole process. This project started back in 2021 and has taken a tremendous amount of planning and effort from the Mayor and Council, all Borough Employees and our professionals who have been dedicated to reaching compliance since the start.
We would also like to note that this project was financed through the NJ Water Bank, and we were recently notified that we are eligible for $2,000,000 in principal forgiveness, which greatly reduces the financial impact on the Borough.
Water Infrastructure Upgrades/Construction Projects:
- Sheridan Avenue Water Main Improvements from Bergen to Prospect
Lead Service Line Information:
You may have received a 'Notice of Unknown Service Line Composition' letter from us. Below is some helpful information about that notice.
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Why you got the letter? The NJDEP and USEPA require an inventory of all service line materials for all water systems which we have been working to identify and update since at least 2021.
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Starting November 15, 2024, the USEPA now requires that water systems must notify people if the full extent of the service line has not been completely identified yet (both privately owned and publicly owned portions as shown on the diagram in the letter you received).
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Since the materials are unknown, the letter provides the USEPA required ‘Health Effects of Lead’ and ‘Steps You Can Take to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water.’
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We are continuing to work on updating our inventory and to meet the NJ requirement of replacement of all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031.
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We routinely test for lead and copper in our system as required by the NJDEP and USEPA, and have meet the Safe Drinking Water Standards.
Here is a link to the NJDEP webpage regarding these letters:
https://dep.nj.gov/lead/notices/
How Can I Identify My Service Line Material?
- Visit: https://dep.nj.gov/lead/identification/ for more information.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP):
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is available to eligible individual households that pay for their own water and sewer and meet low-income requirements. The LIHWAP program is not available for business accounts, estates, or property management companies. More Info Here.
Winter Termination Program:
The NJ Department of Community Affairs has implemented a Winter Termination Program to prevent service discontinuation for eligible residential customers receiving residential electric, sewer and water service from a local authority, municipal utility, or rural electric cooperative from November 15th through March 15th.
For More Information please visit: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/wintertermination.shtml