Palisades Park Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Palisades Park Borough Water Utility serves the 07650 zip code area in Bergen County, New Jersey, providing water to approximately 20,000 residents across 1.3 square miles. The supply is mixed, primarily sourced from the Hackensack Meadowlands and the New York City water system via the Central Park Reservoir and Hillview Reservoir, with contributions from New Jersey American Water systems drawing from the Passaic River and Wanaque Reservoir. Treatment occurs at regional facilities including the Little Falls Treatment Plant and Hackensack Water Company plants, ensuring compliance with EPA standards.

The watershed encompasses the Hackensack and Passaic River basins, draining glacial till and sedimentary bedrock of the Newark Basin from the Triassic period, including Brunswick Formation shales and Stockton Formation sandstones. Carbonate rocks and Pleistocene glacial deposits elevate mineral content, resulting in a hard supply prone to scale formation. The Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer contributes groundwater with a similar mineral profile, shaped by dissolution through limestone lenses, leading to characteristically hard water chemistry.

Hard water promotes limescale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan — expect 20–30% higher energy use in affected appliances. Kettles and faucets show white deposits quickly. Monthly vinegar descaling for fixtures and annual heater flushes are recommended, and a water softener is advised for households to prevent spotting on dishes and dry skin effects. Water meets EPA standards with 0 violations since 2023; however, 8 contaminants exceed EPA health guidelines, including potential PFAS, prompting certified filter recommendations.