In a letter received Oct 1 by homeowners, Perth Amboy Water Department reported that the city drinking water does not meet the EPA drinking water standards. The water has contamination of Gross Alpha Particle Activity, beyond the maximum amount allowed. The water has exceeded the maximum allowed for the past year, but residents were only notified now. Gross Alpha measures the radioactivity in drinking water and the EPA set a standard of 15pCi/L, and the city has a running average of 16.6 pCi/L. The health risks for high gross alpha are increased risk of cancer. The letter says if you have a compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant or elderly, “you may be at increased risk” if you drink the water.

The letter says that Perth Amboy is considering options to remove the gross alpha particle activity and combined radium by 1) supplementing the water supply by a neighboring town, evaluating a temporary treatment, piloting testing treatment techniques of a full scale treatment plant, increasing testing frequency.

The Perth Amboy Water Department does not say what caused the problem, but they anticipate resolving it as soon as possible.