New Jersey tap water / Water systems
Passaic Valley Water Commission: 2025 water quality report results
In its 2025 water quality report, the Passaic Valley Water Commission reported PFOA at 8.62 ppt and PFOS at 5.25 ppt (highest running annual average). PFOA and PFOS are below New Jersey's limits but above the federal limits. Lead at the 90th percentile of home taps: 3.73 ppb. Hardness: up to 242 mg/L (moderately hard to very hard).
2025 results against New Jersey and federal limits
Highest running annual average in the 2025 report; range in the report: 5.7 to 11.0 ppt
Below New Jersey's limit, above the federal limit
Highest running annual average in the 2025 report; range in the report: 3.1 to 5.9 ppt
Below New Jersey's limit, above the federal limit
Each bar shows the highest running annual average reported for this system, in parts per trillion (ppt), against both limits. The darker band is the range of results the report lists; the status compares the reported value, not the top of the range, with the limits.
| Measure | Reported | NJ limit | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOAPerfluorooctanoic acid | 8.62 pptRange in the report: 5.7 to 11.0 ppt | 14 ppt | 4 ppt | Below NJ limit, above federal |
| PFOSPerfluorooctane sulfonic acid | 5.25 pptRange in the report: 3.1 to 5.9 ppt | 13 ppt | 4 ppt | Below NJ limit, above federal |
| Lead90th percentile of home taps | 3.73 ppbHigher of two 2025 monitoring periods: 3.73 ppb for January to June, 2.4 ppb for July to December. | Action level 15 ppb (10 ppb from November 2027) | Below action level | |
| ChlorideSecondary standard | 121.6 to 185.1 ppmRange of results, 2025 | 250 ppm recommended upper limitNot enforceable | 250 ppmSecondary standard, not enforceable | Below recommended limit |
| SodiumSecondary standard | 49.29 to 138.8 ppmRange of results, 2025 | 50 ppm recommended upper limitNot enforceable | None | Above recommended limit |
| Hardness | Up to 242 mg/L (14.2 gpg)Ranged from 106 to 242 mg/L in 2025 | 250 mg/L recommended upper limitFor taste and appearance; not enforceable | None | Class: moderately hard to very hardA description, not a limit comparison |
The 2025 report doesn't list arsenic or 1,2,3-trichloropropane. New Jersey sets its own limits for arsenic (stricter than the federal one) and 1,2,3-trichloropropane (no federal limit); its sodium and chloride limits are recommended upper limits, not enforceable. Federal limits as of November 2026.
According to EPA, lead gets into drinking water when plumbing that contains lead corrodes, and where a home has a lead service line, that pipe is typically the largest source. So a home's own tap can differ from the system-wide 90th percentile.
These values cover part of the supply. These values are from PVWC's Little Falls Water Treatment Plant. The report says most customers get Little Falls water blended with water bought from the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, whose Wanaque plant reported 4.47 ppt of PFOA and 2.95 ppt of PFOS (highest detected level); water bought from Newark's Pequannock plant was below 1.9 ppt for both.
EPA kept its 4 ppt limits for PFOA and PFOS. Utilities must meet them by 2029; EPA has proposed letting systems request until 2031. In May 2026, EPA proposed withdrawing its national limits for PFNA, PFHxS, GenX (HFPO-DA) and a combined limit for PFAS mixtures. The proposal isn't final yet; EPA plans to decide in 2026. New Jersey's own PFNA limit is unaffected. (Status as of November 2026.)
Compare the Passaic Valley Water Commission with other New Jersey water systems in one table of 2025 PFAS results, or see hardness across the same systems.
Filters certified for PFOA and PFOS
If you want to reduce PFOA and PFOS at home, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 with a PFOA and PFOS reduction claim, and check the claim on the certifier's own listing. Certification shows the filter reduces these chemicals; it doesn't guarantee levels below the federal limit.
| Filter | Type | Certified by | Reduction claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage | Under-sink | WQANSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 401 | PFOA, PFOS and lead · data sheet |
| Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow | Under-sink | WQANSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 401 | PFOA, PFOS and lead · data sheet |
| Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage | Under-sink | WQANSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 401 | PFOA, PFOS and lead · data sheet |
| Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect | Under-sink | IAPMONSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 401 | PFOA, PFOS and lead · data sheet |
| Aquasana OptimH2O whole house system (EQ-OPTM) | Whole house | IAPMONSF/ANSI 53 | PFOA, PFOS and lead · data sheet |
| AquaTru Classic countertop RO | Reverse osmosis | IAPMONSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 58, NSF/ANSI 401 | PFOA, PFOS and lead · manufacturer page |
| ZeroWater 5-Stage filter (pitchers and dispensers) | Pitcher | IAPMONSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53 | PFOA, PFOS and lead · data sheet |
| ZeroWater ExtremeLife faucet mount (ZFM-400, filter ZRFM-001) | Faucet mount | WQANSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53 | PFOA and PFOS · data sheet |
| PUR PLUS pitcher filter (PPF951K) | Pitcher | IAPMONSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 401 | total PFAS (test mix includes PFOA and PFOS) and lead · data sheet |
We list a filter only when its certification document backs the claim (how we choose products). Replace cartridges on schedule; a used-up filter stops working.
Towns served by the Passaic Valley Water Commission
Water sources
PVWC withdraws water from the Passaic River in Totowa, New Jersey and treats it at the Little Falls WTP.
Source. 2025 water quality report, Passaic Valley Water Commission (the utility titles it "2026 Drinking Water Quality Report"). Also: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System; EPA UCMR 5.
Checked against the original report in October and November 2026. See how we check the data. Found an error? Tell us.