Update: West Amwell Well Water

Dear SHRSD Families,

I want to provide an update on the water issue at the West Amwell School (WAS). In a Zoom call Monday, I was informed that the NJDEP has directed a Licensed Site Remediation Professional to investigate possible remediations for the 1,4 dioxane detected during random testing of the well supplying WAS. While the NJDEP decides on the best course of action,  we will continue to provide bottled water stations at WAS for students and staff, as well as our food service company for cooking. 

As stated in my previous communication, we had the high school and future middle school wells tested for 1,4 dioxane. We just obtained the results and the level of 1,4 dioxane is below the maximum contaminant limit. Specifically, the test found a level of 0.16 ppb and the maximum contaminant level is 0.33 ppb in public drinking water systems according to the New Jersey Drinking Water Quality Institutes. Even though both wells were below the maximum contaminant level, going forward we will continue to test for 1,4 dioxane in our scheduled quarterly testing.   

Below is the information provided by the NJDEP which I included in my first correspondence about this issue at the West Amwell School. When I have more information from the NJDEP, I will share it. Feel free to contact me with any additional questions

Sincerely,

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Elevated Levels of 1,4-Dioxane at West Amwell School

Why are you receiving this notice/information?

You are receiving this notice because testing of our public water system that serves the West Amwell School found the chemical 1,4-dioxane in our drinking water between 1.7 and 3.17 parts per billion (ppb). This is above the New Jersey Drinking Water Quality Institute’s (DWQI’s) recommended maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.33 ppb in public drinking water systems.

West Amwell School participated in an NJDEP statewide study to evaluate occurrence of 1,4-dioxane in small public water systems across the State. The public water systems were chosen for the study primarily based on geographic distribution. These detections of 1,4-dioxane were observed as a component of this study.  

What are the health effects of 1,4-dioxane?

Information regarding health effects of 1,4-dioxane is primarily derived from studies of laboratory animals. These studies show that exposure to low levels of 1,4-dioxane over a prolonged period (i.e. 70 years) may result in adverse health impacts. Based on the available scientific data, 1,4-dioxane is classified as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans” by USEPA. Non-cancer effects were also shown through animal studies with 1,4-dioxane where toxicity to the liver, kidney, and respiratory system were observed.

When drinking water is contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, exposure can occur by drinking the water or using it to make beverages and foods such as tea, coffee or to prepare foods that contain water (e.g., oatmeal, soup). Significant exposure to 1,4-dioxane is not known to occur through hand washing or showering, as the chemical is not absorbed through the skin and does not vaporize significantly into the air from drinking water. Additional information can be found at  https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/14-dioxane/docs/14-dioxane-faq.pdf.

What is being done?

The West Amwell School is currently providing bottled water stations that all students and faculty should utilize throughout the day. Water fountains will no longer be used until further notice. They are also providing bottled water for our food service company to use for cooking. The South Hunterdon Regional School District  is working in coordination with NJDEP to evaluate options to evaluate the feasibility of providing treatment or using an alternate water supply.

Additional information will be shared as further testing and progress occurs.

What is New Jersey doing about 1,4-dioxane in public drinking water?

NJDEP is in the process of developing a 1,4-dioxane drinking water standard through rulemaking based on the DWQI’s recommendation. This rulemaking would establish an MCL for 1,4-dioxane of 0.33 ppb in drinking water that is based on the potential health effects from long-term consumption of affected water. Once an MCL is established, New Jersey water systems would be required to monitor for the presence of 1,4-dioxane and would be obligated to take remedial measures if levels of 1,4-dioxane are detected above the MCL, including the installation of additional treatment technology.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, please contact Andrew Harris, Business Administrator, at 609-397-0323 ext. 2 or andrew.harris@shrsd.org. You can also find additional information at https://dep.nj.gov/14-dioxane/.