High levels of toxic chemicals detected in Florence Township
Residents were notified about the recent violation.
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Residents of Florence Township were recently informed that their water has exceeded state standards for toxic chemicals for years.
In a notice to customers, the Florence Township Water Department told customers that in September 2022, they exceeded the state contamination level for perfluorooctanoic acid. According to the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act, the water system was supposed to take action to bring the PFOA levels to compliance. PFOA is a member of a group of chemicals used to manufacture non-stick cookware and other products. It's also been used in firefighting foam and stain-resistant coating for upholstery and carpets.
"Our water system failed to remediate the PFOA MCL violation by the one-year deadline of Sept. 20, 2023," the notice to customers states.
In June, samples collected showed that the water system still exceeded the limit for the PFOA. The water company says consuming water with PFOA chemicals could have health impacts over time.
"People who drink water containing PFOA in excess of the MCL over time could experience problems with their blood serum cholesterol levels, liver, kidney, immune system, or, in males, the reproductive system. Drinking water containing PFOA in excess of the MCL over time may also increase the risk of testicular and kidney cancer," the notice says. "For females, drinking water containing PFOA in excess of the MCL over time may cause developmental delays in a fetus and/or an infant. Some of these developmental effects may persist through childhood."
The water company says anyone with specific health concerns should contact their doctor before consuming water from the system and women who are pregnant or nursing should use bottled water for drinking. Boiling water will not remove PFOA.
The township has been performing regular testing and is in the process of building a treatment plant to handle the chemicals. They expect the new plant to be operational by the end of 2027.
