Recent tests done (Jan 2019-March 2019) by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) found Perth Amboy tap water to be within Federal EPA guidelines, but they found 1 cancer linked contaminant Chromium (hexavalent) in our tap water that exceeded their EWG guidelines for safety. EWG says that EPA standards have not been updated in 20 years and do not take into account the findings of most recent studies of safety. In a new database that the public can use to monitor what is in their tap water, you can see what contaminants have been found. Click here to view information EWG released about Perth Amboy Tap Water. It is important for the public to inform themselves about the facts about safe drinking water. The database recommends specific types of filters that you can use to remove contaminants from the Perth Amboy drinking water. Charcoal filters are not enough to remove the contaminants.
Water Filters for Trihalomethanes Removal
Trihalomethanes (THMs) are among the most dangerous chemical compounds that find their way into the water supply. THM contamination is very common, because these substances are a byproduct formed when chlorine is added to drinking water. THMs are known to be carcinogens, and are closely associated with the occurrence of several different types of cancer. Additionally, these substances cause problems with the functioning of the nervous system, the liver, and the kidneys. Ingestion of these substances can also contribute to miscarriages.
Even though the dangers of THMs are well-documented and the substance is present in the vast majority of drinking water, many home water filtration systems are not designed to remove these substances from the water supply. For example, Brita water filters and PUR water filters do not remove THMs from water. Both Aquasana and Amway water filters are proven to be effective at removing more than 99% of THMs from water. Kenmore and Culligan water filters also filter out large percentages of these substances.
Second Drinking Water Quality Violation Notice Sent to Perth Amboy Residents
A notice sent out to Perth Amboy residents June 20, 2019 from the Perth Amboy Water Department says the water quality drinking standard has been violated for Perth Amboy drinking water. Read the notice in English notice. Read the notice in Spanish. This is the second notice about drinking water violations, the other received in Feb 2019. The letter says the water is contaminated with TTHM above the quality standard for drinking water. It says the water is safe to drink, but it also says that over time it is not safe to drink and may cause illness. Also, a population at risk for the water currently not being safe to drink given the contamination, are the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with compromised immune system. The letter says the situation will not be corrected until the end of 2019.
Using bottled water to drink and cook with is a way to prevent health risk from drinking contaminated water. Also, you can purchase water filters for the home that remove TTHM.
