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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lead level in Bergen County drinking water?
In 2025 to-date, Bergen County’s drinking water averages 11.04 parts per billion (ppb) of lead, which is approaching the EPA’s 15 ppb action level. While this is below the regulatory trigger, the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level Goal is actually zero because no amount of lead exposure is considered safe.
How effective is reverse osmosis at reducing lead in water?
NSF-certified reverse osmosis technology, like the HYDR8 FloWater system, is proven to achieve 95-99% lead reduction. 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.
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