In a letter mailed to homeowners, Perth Amboy Water Department reported that the city drinking water does not meet the EPA drinking water standards. The water has contamination of Gross Alpha Particle Activity, beyond the maximum amount allowed. The water has exceeded the maximum allowed for the past year. Gross Alpha measures the radioactivity in drinking water and the EPA set a standard of 15pCi/L, and the city has a running average of 16.6 pCi/L. The health risks for high gross alpha are increased risk of cancer. The letter says if you have a compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant or elderly, “you may be at increased risk” if you drink the water.

The letter says that Perth Amboy is considering options to remove the gross alpha particle activity and combined radium by supplementing the water supply by a neighboring town, evaluating a temporary treatment, piloting testing treatment techniques of a full scale treatment plant, increasing testing frequency.

Residents expressed concern that the water rates have been increasing but the water quality decreasing.

At the City Council meeting last week on Oct 8, the BA reported that the cost to fix the water is $106 million. He told residents to ask their doctor if they should drink the water if they are concerned. The city said that the water is safe to drink for now.

The Perth Amboy Water Department does not say what caused the problem, but they anticipate resolving in 8 months-1year.

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