Moorestown residents will be receiving an NJDEP required public notice dated January 7, 2026 related to two technical drinking water compliance items that occurred in early 2025. One monitoring result from a sample of the New Jersey American Water supplied water did not meet the NJDEP’s optimal Water Quality Parameter (WQP) range for orthophosphate. As a consequence, the Township received a Notice of Violation from the NJDEP requiring the sending of the notice on the reverse side even though the water was provided by NJAW and their own testing conducted during the same time frame indicated the levels were within the acceptable range. All subsequent tests since that time have been within the acceptable range.
Below is the letter as well as a FAQ succinctly explaining possible questions residents may have related to the notice:
Water Letter - January 7, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About Moorestown’s Drinking Water
Is our water safe to drink right now?
Yes. Moorestown’s drinking water is safe for all normal uses, including drinking, cooking, and bathing. Recent testing confirms the system meets all federal and state health-based drinking water standards, including for lead and copper.
Is this an emergency? Do I need bottled water or a filter?
No. This situation is not an emergency, and bottled water or filters are not needed. If there had been an immediate health risk, residents would have been notified within 24 hours. This notice is required by state regulations and is informational.
Were any homes actually exposed to unsafe water, or is this a technical compliance issue?
There is no evidence that any homes were exposed to unsafe water. These notices were issued because certain water quality parameters briefly fell outside NJDEP’s “optimal” operating ranges, which are more conservative than basic safety standards. All follow-up testing showed results within acceptable limits.
Was the orthophosphate issue caused by Moorestown’s water?
No. The orthophosphate sample that tested below the minimum was collected at the interconnection with New Jersey American Water (NJAW). Moorestown’s test result showed 0.042 mg/L, below the required minimum of 0.10 mg/L, while NJAW’s own testing showed levels well above the minimum (1.05 mg/L). This suggests a possible lab or sampling anomaly, which was resolved in the next round of testing.
Why was this counted as a 14-day violation if the next sample was acceptable?
Water quality reports are submitted to NJDEP on a biweekly (14-day) basis. Even though the next sample met all requirements, NJDEP counts each day between reports as out of compliance. Since regulations allow no more than nine days outside the optimal range, the full 14-day period was classified as a violation, triggering public notification.
Was the pH issue based on one reading or multiple readings?
It was based on one reading. On the day of testing, six pH samples were collected. Five were within the optimal range. One sample measured 8.25, slightly above the NJDEP-assigned optimal maximum of 8.2. Importantly, the reading was still below the state’s safe drinking water limit of 8.5, and the average of all six samples was within the optimal range.
What was done to address the pH issue?
The Township adjusted its treatment settings to ensure pH levels remain below the optimal maximum of 8.2 going forward. All subsequent testing has confirmed pH levels are within the assigned range.
Why is Moorestown sending this notice if one issue involved New Jersey American Water?
Moorestown Township is responsible for notifying residents because it is the public water system delivering water to customers, even when that water is supplied by another provider. State regulations require the Township to issue notices for any compliance issue affecting water distributed to residents.
Why are we being notified about something that happened in early 2025?
Public notification timelines are established by NJDEP regulations. Notices are issued after monitoring periods are completed, reviewed, and confirmed, even when the issue was resolved earlier. This ensures full transparency and regulatory compliance.
What corrective actions were taken once the issues were identified?
The orthophosphate issue was resolved, with all follow-up samples meeting requirements. The Township coordinated directly with New Jersey American Water regarding monitoring. The pH treatment settings were adjusted to stay within optimal limits. Laboratory processes were reviewed to improve sample turnaround. Ongoing monitoring continues beyond minimum requirements.
Why does NJDEP regulate these “optimal” ranges so closely?
Optimal water quality parameters are designed to prevent corrosion inside pipes. While Moorestown’s water mains do not contain lead, some older homes may have lead or galvanized service lines. Maintaining optimal pH and corrosion control helps prevent metals from leaching into drinking water.
What is Moorestown doing about lead or galvanized service lines?
The NJDEP has given water systems 10 years to identify and replace lead or galvanized service lines. Moorestown is actively:
- Identifying service line materials
- Replacing lead or galvanized lines when found
- Incorporating replacements into ongoing water main projects
Who can residents contact with questions, and how quickly will they hear back?
Residents may contact Wayne McEwen, Water Superintendent, at:
- Phone: (856) 235-3520, option 2
- Email: wmcewen@moorestown.nj.us