Skip to content

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

The FDU Kinght's mascot stands in front of a HYDR8 Zero Waste Pantry sign at Fairleigh Dickinson University, holding a black reusable water bottle.

In 2025 to-date, lead can enter Bergen County’s drinking water through aging service lines and plumbing after treatment, and because the EPA’s health goal for lead is zero, any exposure is worth reducing, 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, which substantially reduces lead, 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


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lead level in Bergen County drinking water?

Lead can enter Bergen County drinking water through aging service lines and building plumbing after it leaves the treatment plant. The EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level Goal for lead is zero, because no amount of lead exposure is considered safe, so point-of-use filtration is a prudent safeguard.

How effective is reverse osmosis at reducing lead in water?

NSF-certified reverse osmosis technology, like the HYDR8 FloWater system, substantially reduces lead. This high level of filtration performance makes reverse osmosis one of the most effective methods for reducing lead contamination in drinking water.

What water filtration system did Fairleigh Dickinson University install?

Fairleigh Dickinson University partnered with HYDR8 to install an NSF-certified reverse osmosis system called the HYDR8 FloWater system in their athletic facility. The system was strategically placed to support athlete performance and recovery for the FDU Knights.

Why do people prefer filtered water over tap water?

People can taste and feel the difference when drinking water is treated to the highest purification standards. At FDU, students, faculty, and staff began making special trips to the gym just to refill their water bottles at the HYDR8 system, demonstrating the noticeable quality difference that proper water filtration provides.

What is the EPA action level for lead in drinking water?

The EPA’s action level for lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion (ppb), which serves as the regulatory trigger for water treatment actions. However, the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for lead is actually zero, recognizing that no amount of lead exposure is considered safe.

Related Articles

Questions about water, coffee, or your break room program? Email [email protected] and the HYDR8 team will map the right setup for your facility.


Get Your Free Trial

Ready to prove the ROI in your own facility? HYDR8 offers free trials for NYC and New Jersey commercial facilities. Experience our 24-48 hour service response, predictable costs, and superior water quality before making any commitment. No long-term contracts required.

Free Trial

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent Articles

Modern corporate breakroom with glass tumblers of water, green plant wall, and natural light, healthy breakroom beyond snacks
Workplace Wellness

What Makes a Breakroom Actually Healthy Beyond Snacks

Hydr8 Editorial July 27, 2026
Clean modern office breakroom with glass tumblers of fresh water on a countertop, office water cooler sanitization guide
Workplace Wellness

How Often Should Office Water Coolers Be Sanitized?

Hydr8 Editorial July 27, 2026
Three glass carafes of clear water on a modern office breakroom counter representing NY, NJ, and CT office water quality compared
Water Quality

Office Water Quality: NY, NJ, and CT Compared

Hydr8 Editorial July 22, 2026
Visit Our Pantry Shop ↗