New Jersey towns can’t fight forever chemicals in drinking water alone; they need a centralized PFAS response center

PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are not just an environmental hazard. They are an urgent public health issue threatening communities across New Jersey.

Known as “forever chemicals” because they resist breakdown in the environment and accumulate in our bodies over time, PFAS have been used for more than 70 years in everything from firefighting foam to nonstick cookware. Their durability and resistance to water, heat and oil have made them domestic and industrial staples — but those same properties now haunt us.

More and more municipalities across New Jersey are discovering PFAS contamination in their drinking water systems. As a result, local officials find themselves in crisis mode, facing concerned residents desperate for information and action. Questions flood in: Is the water safe to drink? Can I bathe my children in it? Should I eat vegetables from my garden? Who is responsible for fixing this, and how soon can they act?

These are not theoretical concerns. They are practical, immediate, and deeply personal — and yet the resources to address them are scattered, incomplete, or delayed.

Municipal leaders are expected to become overnight experts in toxicology, environmental law, and infrastructure engineering. They must parse technical guidance from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Department of Health, coordinate with water authorities, become experts on the state Spill Act, identify credible testing services, and communicate effectively with their residents — all while fielding legitimate fears from parents, homeowners and neighbors.

This is not sustainable. It is not fair to our local officials, and it is certainly not fair to the families who turn to them for reassurance and solutions.

That is why New Jersey needs a state-supported Municipal PFAS Response Resource Center — a centralized hub where mayors, councils, and public health officials can access ready-to-use tools in the critical first days and weeks following PFAS detection. This center could provide:

• Clear public messaging templates for community meetings and websites
• A direct line of communication with NJDEP and NJDOH experts
• A vetted list of certified testing and remediation companies
• Guidance on emergency water sourcing and distribution
• Step-by-step instructions on accessing funds via the Spill Act or federal programs
• A real-time FAQ and decision tree for municipal leaders
• Staff to provide rapid response to questions and troubleshoot with government agencies
• Community liaisons for public engagement
• Assistance for residents in navigating the Spill Act and filing paperwork

There is no PFAS handbook — but we need one, and fast.

Without centralized guidance, towns are left to reinvent the wheel with every new discovery. The result? Inconsistent responses, delayed remediation, and increased public anxiety. Written websites are not enough; more dedicated personnel is essential.

Our state has shown leadership on PFAS in recent years — setting some of the most protective drinking water standards in the country and initiating legal action against polluters. But standards are not solutions unless local governments are equipped to implement them swiftly and effectively.

When families learn that their water may be contaminated, they deserve more than confusion. They deserve answers, support, and a government that is ready to respond with clarity and coordination.

We may not be able to erase PFAS from the past, but we can — and must — do better in how we respond to its presence in our future.

New Jersey has always been a leader in environmental protection. We should lead the way once again by helping our citizens manage the PFAS they now discover in their local environment.

Karen Kominsky is a councilwoman in Lambertville.