To All Chatham Borough Residents

Update of Lead Testing in Drinking Water

The Borough of Chatham Water Utility recently conducted 20 random household lead and copper tests as mandated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The original test results indicated that three (3) households had lead levels above the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb), or 0.015 milligrams of lead per liter of water (mg/L). The three test readings were 0.017, 0.018, and 0.018.

During the month of September, a second round of tests for lead was conducted for the same three households. The test results indicated all three households were now below the EPA action level.  In addition, the Borough tested three (3) public schoolsand two (2) private schools in town and found them well below the action level mentioned above, with a range from 0.001mg/L  to 0.004 mg/L.

Everyone should be aware and know the facts about lead in drinking water. An unhealthy amount of lead can enter drinking water through the plumbing in your home. Residents can have their water tested by a state certified lab for an average price of $100.00. You can contact the Chatham Water Deparment at 1-973-635-5242 for information on testing and simple ways to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water or go online at www.chathamborough.org.

Robert Venezia

Director of Public Works