PFAS Standards and Regulations

What are the PFAS standards in New Jersey?

Contaminant MCL (μg/L or ppb)* GWQS (μg/L or ppb)*
PFOA 0.014 0.014
PFOS 0.013 0.013
PFNA 0.013 0.013
*micrograms per liter or parts per billion

An MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) is the highest allowable concentration of a contaminant in water delivered to a user of a public drinking water supply. MCLs apply to public water systems, including public community and public non-transient noncommunity water systems. Public community and public non-transient noncommunity water systems are required to routinely monitor for contaminants for which MCLs have been established and to take any action necessary to bring the water into compliance with an MCL.

The Ground Water Quality Standards (GWQS) establish classes of ground water according to the hydrogeologic characteristics of the ground water resource and the designated use(s) to be maintained, restored and enhanced within each classification area. Designated uses include maintenance of special ecological resources, provision of and conversion to potable water (drinking water), agricultural and industrial water supply, and other reasonable uses.

NJDEP has also established an Interim Specific Ground Water Quality Criterion of 0.002 μg/L for ClPFPECAs.

NJDEP has also established Interim Soil and Soil Leachate Remediation Standards for PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX (including Ingestion -Dermal and Migration to Groundwater)

NJDEP Regulatory Documents for PFAS MCLs:

Drinking Water Quality Institute Recommendations for PFAS:

  • Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) Recommendation (June 2018)
    • Appendix A– Health-Based Maximum Contaminant Level Support Document for PFOS
    • Appendix B– Report on the Development of a Practical Quantitation Level for PFOS in Drinking Water
    • Appendix C– Second Addendum to Appendix C: Recommendation on Perfluorinated Compound Treatment Options for Drinking Water
    • Appendix D– Responses to Comments on DWQI Health Effects Subcommittee Report: “Public Review Draft – Health-Based Maximum Contaminant Level Support Document: PFOS
  • Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Recommendation (March 2017)
    • Appendix A – Health-Based Maximum Contaminant Level Support Document for PFOA
    • Appendix B – Report on the Development of a Practical Quantitation Level for PFOA in Drinking Water
    • Appendix C – Addendum to Appendix C: Recommendation on Perfluorinated Compound Treatment Options for Drinking Water
    • Appendix D – Responses to Comments on DWQI Health Effects Subcommittee Report: “Public Review Draft – Health-Based Maximum Contaminant Level Support Document: PFOA
  • Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA) Recommendation (June 2018)
    • Appendix A – Health-Based Maximum Contaminant Level Support Document: PFNA
    • Appendix B – Report on the development of a Practical Quantitation Level for PFNA
    • Appendix C – Recommendation on Perfluorinated Compound Treatment Options for Drinking Water

ECOS White Paper: Processes and Considerations for Setting State PFAS Standards, 2021 Update