Water softeners and filtration in Warren County

Local findings

• Solvent contamination in Pohatcong Valley

  TCE and PCE, industrial solvents, contaminate the limestone aquifer under parts of Washington Borough, Washington Township, Franklin, and Greenwich. Public wells needed treatment and homes with affected private wells were connected to public water.

  Source: EPA: Pohatcong Valley Superfund site

Across the region

• Hard water from limestone

  Wells in the Kittatinny Valley draw from limestone, which dissolves into the water and makes it hard: the white crust on faucets and spots on dishes.

• Uranium and radon

  The Highlands' granite-like bedrock contains uranium. Wells can pick up uranium and radon from it, which is why New Jersey requires uranium testing for private wells in northern counties.

• PFAS limits

  New Jersey was the first state to set limits for PFAS "forever chemicals": 14 parts per trillion for PFOA and 13 for PFOS and PFNA. Public utilities must meet them. Private wells are only tested when a home is sold or leased.

• Hardness varies by town

  New Jersey's median tap water is moderately hard, about 5 grains per gallon, and it changes a lot from one supplier to the next. Your water test tells you exactly where you stand.