PFAS Standards, Criteria, and Guidance
Standards, criteria, and guidance are developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) using assumptions that are protective for exposures over a lifetime. All measurements below are in nanograms per liter (ng/L) which is equivalent to parts per trillion (ppt).
Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA):
In July 2015, the New Jersey Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI) recommended a health-based maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) of 13 ng/L. The DWQI is an advisory body to the NJDEP that is responsible for recommending MCLs in drinking water. This recommended MCL served as the basis for the interim specific ground water quality standard for PFNA of 10 ng/L established by NJDEP on November 25, 2015. The interim specific ground water quality standard was replaced by a permanent, specific ground water quality standard of the same value (10 ng/L) under amendments to the Ground Water Quality Standards regulations adopted on January 16, 2018. Concurrent adoption of amendments to the Discharge of Petroleum and Other Hazardous Substances regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:1E) added PFNA to the List of Hazardous Substances. For more information, visit: Bureau of Environmental Analysis, Restoration and Standards.
On August 7, 2017, NJDEP proposed amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act Rules that include establishing a new MCL for PFNA of 13 ng/L. On September 4, 2018, the NJDEP adopted the MCL and concurrently amended the Ground Water Quality Standard for PFNA to 13 ng/L.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA):
In 2007, NJDEP issued a preliminary drinking water guidance level for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) of 40 nanograms per liter (ng/L). In March of 2017, the DWQI recommended an MCL for PFOA of 14 ng/L. In October 2017, the NJDEP issued an updated drinking water guidance value for PFOA and announced that the NJDEP would accept the DWQI recommended PFOA MCL of 14 ng/L.
On March 13, 2019, NJDEP established an interim specific ground water quality standard for PFOA of 0.01 ug/L (10 ng/L). The interim specific ground water quality standard for PFOA became effective upon posting to the “Table of Interim Specific Ground Water Quality Criteria (ISGWQC), Interim PQLs (IPQLs), and Interim Specific Ground Water Quality Standards (ISGWQS) for Constituents in Class II-A Ground Water” on the NJDEP website at Bureau of Environmental Analysis, Restoration and Standards.
For more information, visit: Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in Drinking Water.
Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS):
In November 2017, the DWQI published draft recommendations for a health-based MCL for PFOS of 13 ng/L. In June of 2018, the NJDEP accepted the DWQI recommended PFOS MCL of 13 ng/L.
On March 13, 2019, NJDEP established an interim specific ground water quality standard for PFOS of 0.01 ug/L (10 ng/L). The interim specific ground water quality standard for PFOS became effective upon posting to the “Table of Interim Specific Ground Water Quality Criteria (ISGWQC), Interim PQLs (IPQLs), and Interim Specific Ground Water Quality Standards (ISGWQS) for Constituents in Class II-A Ground Water” on the NJDEP website at Bureau of Environmental Analysis, Restoration and Standards.
