Is Ridgewood, NJ, Water Safe to Drink?
Legal vs. Safe: Why Passing Federal Standards Isn’t Enough
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization with a mission to protect human health and the environment by conducting research and advocacy on issues related to water quality, public health, and pollution. The EWG’s report on Ridgewood, New Jersey, is based on tests conducted by the water utility and shared with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While the water was found to comply with federal health-based drinking water standards, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s completely safe.
Here's why:
Federal standards for many contaminants haven’t been updated in nearly 20 years, despite advancements in scientific research.
Legal limits often allow higher levels of contaminants than health-based guidelines recommend.
Even trace amounts of certain contaminants in drinking water can pose significant and long-term health risks over time.
Key Contaminants Found in Ridgewood, NJ Tap Water
The EWG report listed several contaminants detected in Ridgewood water that exceed health guidelines. As a leading water filtration company in the region, here are some of the most concerning findings to Aqua Doctor NJ:
Arsenic
Detected: 0.857 ppb
Legal Limit: 10 ppb
Health Guideline: 0.004 ppb (214x over)
Potential Effect: Cancer
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Detected: 7.69 ppb
Legal Limit: 60 ppb
Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb (77x over)
Potential Effect: Cancer
Chromium (Hexavalent)
Detected: 0.398 ppb
Legal Limit: No set limit
Health Guideline: 0.02 ppb (20x over)
Potential Effect: Cancer
Nitrate
Detected: 4.20 ppm
Legal Limit: 10 ppm
Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm (30x over)
Potential Effect: Cancer, developmental issues
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
Detected: 20.7 ppt
Proposed Legal Limit: 4 ppt
Health Guideline: 0.09 ppt (230x over)
Potential Effect: Cancer, immune system damage
What This Means for Your Health
Many of these contaminants — especially arsenic, chromium, nitrate, and PFOA — are linked to long-term health problems, including:
Increased cancer risk
Hormonal disruption
Developmental issues in children
Immune system weakness
Even though the water meets outdated federal standards, the levels of these contaminants exceed modern health-based guidelines by a significant margin. Aqua Doctor is a water treatment company dedicated to helping local homes and businesses get clean, high-quality water. With our guidance, it’s possible to achieve safe drinking water!
How to Protect Your Family’s Water
Legal limits are outdated, and water quality can vary significantly from house to house. That’s why a customized water filtration solution is often the best way to ensure clean, safe drinking water.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Filters out 20+ contaminants exceeding guidelines
Most effective option for removing heavy metals and harmful chemicals
Higher upfront cost and more maintenance required
Carbon Filters
Filters out 15+ contaminants exceeding guidelines
Lower upfront cost and maintenance
May not remove all contaminants
Ion Exchange
Effective for softening hard water
Reduces some contaminants, but doesn’t eliminate all chemicals
Whole-House Filters
Reduces radiologicals and contaminants, like TCE
Expensive to install and maintain
Risk of bacterial contamination
Distillation
Removes heavy metals and microbes
Doesn’t reduce most chemical contaminants
Why a Custom Solution Matters
Water quality isn’t one-size-fits-all. While one household might struggle with high iron levels, another might have elevated nitrate or PFAS levels. That’s why Aqua Doctor specializes in diagnosing specific water issues and designing a tailored solution for your home.
We test your water to understand exactly what’s in it
We build a custom filtration system to target your property’s unique contaminants
Our solutions are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and more efficient than generic systems
Take Control of Your Water Quality
You don’t have to settle for water that’s just "good enough." Aqua Doctor can help you achieve cleaner, healthier water with the best water treatment system built specifically for your home. Contact us at our newest location in Ridgewood to schedule a free water test today and get a tailored solution that meets the highest safety standards, not just the outdated legal ones!