The chemical first raised concerns after it was found at a Superfund site in Ringwood.
Small amounts of a probable carcinogen were found in more than 80 water systems in every part of the state, according to an analysis of federal data by The Record.
The chemical, 1,4-dioxane, raised concerns after it was found at a Superfund site in Ringwood. 1,4-dioxane can damage the liver, kidney and respiratory systems.
Ken Garrison, the borough engineer for Fair Lawn, which supplies water to its 32,000 residents, called on regulators to provide guidance to water suppliers.
The Environmental Protection Agency classifies 1,4-dioxane as an "unregulated contaminant" because it lacks enough data to determine its impact on health and prevalence in water supplies. The state Department of Environmental Protection plans to eventually develop a drinking water standard for 1,4-dioxane, but is currently focused on developing standards for other dangerous chemicals found in state water supplies.
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.