After 3 dogs and my wife were diagnosed with thyroid issues, I started looking into the water quality coming from Aqua. Before even diving into this, I could tell you that the taste of the water here in Erial is awful. It’s kind of like drinking out of a swimming pool. Guests refuse to drink the water and when my in-laws visit they bring their own. Not really knowing where to start, I started with Google Gemini. I asked Gemini to see if there were any connections between thyroid issues and the water here. This is what it came back with.
An Interactive Guide for Erial, NJ Residents
Your Water is “Legally Compliant.” But is it Healthy?
This guide translates the official 2024 water quality report for Erial into plain English. While your tap water meets federal legal standards, some contaminants are present at levels far exceeding modern health guidelines, with potential links to thyroid issues in families and pets.
The Compliance Gap
The core issue is the gap between legally enforceable EPA limits and stricter, non-enforceable health guidelines from organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Erial’s water highlights this gap clearly.
20x
Higher Bromodichloromethane
A water treatment byproduct found at 20 times the EWG health guideline.
5.7x
Higher 1,4-Dioxane
An industrial solvent nearly 6 times the EWG guideline, with no federal limit.
100%
Legally Compliant
Despite high levels of certain contaminants, the water meets all enforceable federal standards.
Contaminant Deep Dive
Three contaminant groups are of primary concern. Use the tabs below to explore each one and see how its detected level in Erial’s water (orange bar) compares to health guidelines (brown bar). Note the chart uses a logarithmic scale to show the large differences.
1,4-Dioxane: The Industrial Solvent
This chemical is classified as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans” and is linked to industrial wastewater and landfills. Studies show it can interfere with thyroid hormone production and encourage thyroid cancer cell growth. The level in Erial’s water (1.99 ppb) is significantly higher than both the EWG guideline (0.35 ppb) and New Jersey’s own recommended limit (0.33 ppb).
Potential Health Risks
The contaminants of concern have established links to thyroid health issues in both humans and canines, validating residents’ concerns.
👤 Human Health
- The thyroid gland is highly sensitive to chemical interference.
- 1,4-Dioxane & DBPs are shown to disrupt thyroid function and are linked to thyroid cancer.
- PFAS are well-documented to cause thyroid disorders.
- The “cocktail effect” of multiple contaminants together is a significant, under-studied concern.
🐶 Canine Health
- Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in dogs.
- Scientific research directly links PFAS exposure to changes in thyroid hormones in dogs.
- Contaminated drinking water is a primary source of PFAS exposure for pets.
- Human thyroid disruptors should be considered a potential risk to canines as well.
Your Action Plan: What You Can Do
Empower yourself with information and take practical steps to reduce your family’s and pets’ exposure.
Step 1: Get Informed & Consult Professionals
Start by gathering specific data and talking to experts. Never rely on a single source; a comprehensive medical evaluation is crucial.
- Review Your CCR: Get the latest official Consumer Confidence Report from Aqua’s website for your specific area.
- Consider Private Testing: A certified lab can test your tap water for a full range of contaminants.
- Talk to Your Doctor: Share any water test results with your physician or endocrinologist to discuss health concerns.
- Consult Your Vet: Provide your veterinarian with info on water contaminants, especially PFAS, if your pet has thyroid issues.
Step 2: Reduce Exposure with Filtration
Home water filtration is the most effective way to remove these specific contaminants. Boiling water does NOT remove them. Choose a filter certified by NSF International for the chemicals you want to remove.
| Filtration Technology | 1,4-Dioxane | DBPs | PFAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Carbon Pitcher | ❌ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Activated Carbon (Faucet/Undersink) | ❌ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) System | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
✅ Effective ⚠️ Partially Effective ❌ Not Effective
Step 3: Report Issues & Advocate
Use the official channels to report concerns. While not a public forum, this data is tracked by regulators. Your voice matters.
