Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in New Jersey
What are the New Jersey PFAS Limits?
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has established the following drinking water Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid):
| Contaminant | NJDEP MCL |
| PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) | 0.014 µg/L |
| PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid) | 0.013 µg/L |
| PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) | 0.013 µg/L |
How do I understand the reported results?
There are four possible results you might see on your report:
< RL Less than the Reporting Limit
The compound(s) was not detected in the sample.
> MDL & < RL Above the Method Detection Limit but below the Reporting Limit
The compound(s) was detected in the sample and is reported with a qualifier (J-value).
= RL At the Reporting Limit
The compound(s) was detected in the sample.
> RL Above the Reporting Limit
The compound(s) was detected in the sample
You can then take those results on your report and compare them to the NJDEP MCL above. If your results show you have amounts at or above the Reporting Limit (RL) you should consider getting a filtration system to remove the contaminants from your water.
Can I drink my water?
While it is possible to analyze for a select list of PFAS compounds in water sources, it is not possible to say “this is safe or this is not safe”. The goal of the analysis is to identify and quantify what is present in your water so you can seek filtration systems to help remove the identified compounds from your water.
What is PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of over 1,000 manmade chemicals that were added into a wide variety of products over the years. These compounds break down very slowly and the EPA has established that exposure to PFAS chemicals over time can lead to adverse health effects.
Are PFOA, PFNA, and PFOS the same as PFAS?
PFAS is the collective name for the group of manmade chemical compounds. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are three of these compounds within the vast list of PFAS compounds manufactured over time.
Why does PFAS in well water matter?
It is believed that PFAS compounds that are contained within drinking water sources, like well water, build up inside your body and could lead to potential long-term negative health effects.
How often should I test my water?
It is recommended at a minimum to get your well tested at least once every five years or sooner if there are changes to your source of water (ex: installing new treatment system).
Why did I get a letter in the mail telling me to test my water for PFAS?
These letters are generated by the state and/or local health department alerting you that a neighbor in your area recently had their water tested for PFAS and it was detected in their water.
What is a reporting limit?
This is the lowest concentration of a compound that the laboratory can quantify
What is a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)?
A Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is a regulatory established limit where the level of a contaminant compound is determined to be too high.
What does micrograms per liter (µg/L) mean?
These are the units on the report quantifying the amounts of the compound found (micrograms or µg) expressed in units for liquids (liters or L).
What about the other PFAS compounds?
The current analytical methods only allow for the identification and quantification of a very specific list of PFAS compounds. There is no current analytical way to identify “all PFAS” compounds. The PFOA, PFNA, & PFOS compounds are the currently most studied of the PFAS compounds.
Why does it matter what temperature my sample is upon receipt at the laboratory?
The various drinking water methods written by EPA establish temperature limits to help control for possible changes to your sample from excessive heat. It is manditory for the laboratory to record the temperature upon receipt.
Samples delivered to the laboratory on the same day as sample collection must arrive on ice.
Sample temperature must be confirmed to be at or below 10°C when the samples are received at the laboratory within the first 48 hours from collection.
Sample temperature must be confirmed to be at or below 6°C when the samples are received at the laboratory after 48 hours from sample collection.
Why am I not allowed to ship my samples with ice packs?
Some icepacks are known to have PFAS compounds in them, so you want to reduce potential contamination of your sample. The method specifies to use “loose ice” so you should use zipper-bags with ice to pack your sample.
What is the additional sample labeled “FRB”?
The Field Reagent Blank (FRB) is a quality control sample to verify there is no contamination of your sample during shipping or transportation. If we identify any one of the PFAS compounds above the Laboratory Reporting Limit (RL) then the lab needs to analyze the FRB per the EPA method. The FRB is not the same as a customer sample.
The State of New Jersey has a program set up for homeowners on well water to be able to apply for a filtration system for their water at very little cost. For more information on NJ Spill Fund compensation, please contact:
McGowan Well Water Compliance Management LLC (973) 962-4432
For more information on PFAS, please visit:
https://nj.gov/dep/pfas/about.html
https://www.nj.gov/dep/srp/finance/eca.htm
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