From “Minimal” To Zero: How Hydr8 Delivered Lead-Free, Peak-Performance Hydration

In 2025 to-date, Bergen County’s drinking water averages 11.04 parts per billion (ppb) of lead, approaching the EPA’s 15 ppb action level, yet most institutions remain unaware of this regional water quality challenge. While the EPA considers 15 ppb the regulatory trigger, their Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is actually zero, because no amount of lead exposure is considered safe. When Fairleigh Dickinson University partnered with Hydr8 to install NSF-certified reverse osmosis technology in their athletic facility, the primary goal was enhancing hydration quality for the FDU Knights. The Hydr8 FloWater system, proven to achieve 95-99% lead reduction, was strategically placed to support athlete performance and recovery. What happened next validated the investment beyond all expectations: students, faculty, and staff from across campus began making special trips to the gym just to refill their water bottles. This unexpected migration to the athletic facility’s water station reveals a powerful truth about water quality. People can taste and feel the difference when drinking water is treated to the highest purification standards. FDU’s strategic investment not only elevated their athletic program but inadvertently created the most popular hydration destination on campus, transforming a single departmental upgrade into a university-wide amenity that showcases their commitment to health and excellence.

Company Overview

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), located in Teaneck, NJ (zip code 07666), is a leading private university serving thousands of students, faculty, and staff. The university is committed to health, wellness, athletics, and sustainability across its campuses.

Partnership with Hydr8