NDMA Contamination

NDMA in New Jersey Drinking Water

Ranked by max NDMA detected (ng/L) · UCMR 2 data (2008–2010) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over CA PHG

100%

% Over CA PHG

11.0 ng/L

State Avg

▲ 65% vs national

vs National

323

Health Violations

Analysis

NDMA in New Jersey: what the data shows

New Jersey has 56 cities with NDMA data from the EPA's UCMR 2 program (2008–2010). NDMA was detected above California's 10 ng/L public health goal in 56 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 11.0 ng/L. N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a probable human carcinogen that forms primarily as a disinfection byproduct when chloramines react with organic precursors in source water. Systems using chloramines for residual disinfection are most affected. NDMA can also enter water from industrial discharge — historically from rocket fuel manufacturing and rubber processing. There is no federal maximum contaminant level for NDMA. California's Public Health Goal of 10 ng/L (0.01 µg/L) is the most-protective US benchmark. EPA classifies NDMA as a B2 probable human carcinogen — in animal studies, lifetime exposure at very low concentrations significantly elevates liver cancer risk. UV treatment, granular activated carbon, and reverse osmosis can reduce NDMA, though not all home filters are effective.

Comparison

Cities exceeding CA PHG: 10 ng/L (no federal MCL)

New Jersey

100%

56 of 56 cities

→ ▲ 65% above national rate (worse)

National avg

35%

135 of 386 cities

City Map

NDMA data across New Jersey

Each dot is a city with UCMR 2 NDMA testing data. Cities exceeding California's 10 ng/L public health goal are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by ndma level in New Jersey

Highest NDMA levels (ng/L)

All Cities

All New Jersey cities ranked by ndma level

#	City	Level	Over PHG?	Violations	Grade
1	Alpine Boro-0202	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
2	Bergenfield Boro-0203	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
3	Bogota Boro-0204	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
4	Carlstadt Boro-0205	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
5	Cliffside Park Boro-0206	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
6	Closter Boro-0207	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
7	Cresskill Boro-0208	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
8	Demarest Boro-0209	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
9	Dumont Boro-0210	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
10	East Rutherford Boro-0212	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
11	Edgewater Boro-0213	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
12	Emerson Boro-0214	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
13	Englewood City-0215	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
14	Englewood Cliffs Boro-0216	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
15	Fairview Boro-0218	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
16	Fort Lee Boro-0219	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
17	Guttenberg Town-0903	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
18	Hackensack City-0223	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
19	Harrington Park Boro-0224	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
20	Hasbrouck Heights-0225	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
21	Haworth Boro-0226	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
22	Hillsdale Boro-0227	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	4	D
23	Leonia Boro-0229	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
24	Little Ferry Boro-0230	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
25	Lodi Boro-0231	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	4	C+
26	Maywood Boro-0234	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
27	Montvale Boro-0236	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	4	D
28	Moonachie Boro-0237	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
29	New Milford Boro-0238	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
30	North Bergen Twp.-0908	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
31	Northvale Boro-0240	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
32	Norwood Boro-0241	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
33	Old Tappan Boro-0243	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
34	Oradell Boro-0244	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
35	Palisades Park Boro-0245	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
36	Paramus Boro-0246	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
37	Ridgefield Boro-0249	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
38	Ridgefield Park Twp-0250	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
39	River Edge Boro-0252	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
40	River Vale Twp-0253	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
41	Rochelle Park Twp-0254	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
42	Rockleigh Boro-0255	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
43	Rutherford Boro-0256	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
44	Secaucus Town-0909	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
45	South Hackensack Twp-.0259	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
46	Teaneck Twp-.0260	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
47	Tenafly Boro-0261	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
48	Teterboro Boro-0262	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
49	Upper Saddle River-0263	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
50	Washington Twp.-0266	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
51	Weehawken Twp.-0911	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
52	West New York Town-0912	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
53	Westwood Boro-0267	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
54	Wood-Ridge Boro-0269	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	2	B-
55	Woodcliff Lake Boro-0268	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	4	D
56	Wallington Boro-0265	11.0 ng/L	Over PHG	4	D+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about ndma in New Jersey

What is NDMA and why is it in New Jersey tap water?

NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) is a probable human carcinogen that forms when chloramine disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. 56 cities in New Jersey had NDMA above California's 10 ng/L public health goal in UCMR 2 testing. Note that this data is from 2008–2010; many systems have since adjusted disinfection practices to reduce NDMA.

Is NDMA in drinking water dangerous?

NDMA is classified by the EPA as a B2 probable human carcinogen. Animal studies show liver tumors at very low chronic doses. There is no federal MCL, but California's Public Health Goal — set at the level associated with one additional cancer case per million over a lifetime of exposure — is 10 ng/L. NDMA was a major focus of the contaminated Camp Lejeune water investigation.

How can I remove NDMA from my drinking water?

NDMA is one of the harder contaminants to remove. Reverse osmosis provides 50–80% reduction depending on the membrane. Granular activated carbon (GAC) works for some NDMA but is variable. UV treatment effectively destroys NDMA but is rarely deployed at the household level. Boiling does NOT remove NDMA. Best protection: choose a water utility that has switched away from chloramination or implements UV/AOP treatment.

More contaminants