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EPA SDWIS City OverviewWater Testing & Safety Guide

Newark, NJ Water Quality Testing & Safety Report

EPA compliance records, water testing guidelines, and hardness metrics for all 20 ZIP codes in Newark, New Jersey

Sahajul HaqueData aggregated & verified by Sahajul Haque from federal SDWIS & ECHO filings
Quick EPA Verified Summary

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Newark, NJ?

Yes, tap water in Newark, NJ is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The city earns an average EPA Safety Grade of B (81/100) across 20 ZIP codes with 20 health violations and moderately hard (105 mg/L / 6.1 GPG) water. Certified testing is recommended for older plumbing or private wells.

Average Score

81/100

Health Violations

20

Water Hardness

Moderately Hard

105 mg/L (6.1 GPG)

High Lead Risk

8

of 20 ZIP codes

B

About Tap Water in Newark, NJ

Drinking water in Newark, NJ receives an average water quality grade of B (score: 81/100) across its 20 ZIP codes. Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring is managed by local utilities including Newark Water Department.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Newark are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Water Quality Testing in Newark, NJ

Tap Water & Well Water Testing Recommendations

Testing your drinking water in Newark confirms whether contaminants like lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS are entering your home. While municipal utilities test water before distribution, private plumbing and private well systems require homeowner testing.

Tap Water Testing Checklist

  • 1.Identify your plumbing age: Homes built before 1986 in Newark may have lead solder or lead service lines.
  • 2.Request your utility's latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for annual municipal baseline data.
  • 3.Use an EPA-certified laboratory or state-certified test kit for precision lead and PFAS detection (standard DIY strips cannot reliably measure trace heavy metals).
  • 4.Collect a "first draw" sample: Test water that has sat motionless in pipes for at least 6 hours to check for plumbing corrosion.

Private Well Water Testing Checklist

  • •Private wells in NJ are not monitored by the EPA or New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection — testing is 100% the homeowner's responsibility.
  • •Annual Test: Screen for Total Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates/Nitrites, and pH every spring.
  • •Comprehensive Test (Every 3-5 Years): Test for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Uranium), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Hardness.
  • •Post-Disruption Testing: Immediately test well water following heavy floods, local construction, agricultural runoff, or sudden taste/odor changes.

Critical Water Testing Parameters for Newark Residents

ParameterHealth ReasonEPA Limit / Standard
Lead (Pb)Plumbing corrosion; dangerous neurotoxin for children15 ppb (Action Level) / 0 ppb Goal
Total Coliform & E. ColiBacterial contamination from sewage or surface runoff0 mg/L (Zero Tolerance)
Nitrates / NitritesFertilizer and septic tank seepage; causes blue baby syndrome10 mg/L (MCL)
Water Hardness (Ca & Mg)Affects appliance lifespan, scale buildup, and skin hydrationModerate (~100 mg/L)
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")Industrial non-stick chemicals linked to metabolic and immune issues4.0 ppt (EPA 2024 Rule)
State Regulatory Oversight: Environmental standards and certified water lab registries in NJ are maintained by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Health-Based Contaminant Violations in Newark

EPA records indicate that the following contaminants have exceeded Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in Newark water systems over the past 5 years.

Stage 1 DBP Rule

Note: The presence of a past violation does not necessarily mean current water is unsafe. Utilities are required to take corrective action. Review your Consumer Confidence Report for the latest status.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Newark, NJ

Showing 20 of 20 monitored ZIP codes in Newark

B
07101

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07102

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07103

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07107

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07108

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07112

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07175

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07184

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07188

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07189

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07191

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07192

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07193

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07195

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07198

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07199

Newark, NJ

Score: 82/1001 violation
B
07104

Newark, NJ

Score: 77/1001 violation
B
07106

Newark, NJ

Score: 77/1001 violation
B
07105

Newark, NJ

Score: 72/1001 violation
B
07114

Newark, NJ

Score: 72/1001 violation

All Newark, NJ ZIP Code Reports (20 Total)

0710107102071030710707108071120717507184071880718907191071920719307195071980719907104071060710507114

Nearby Cities Water Quality & Testing in New Jersey

Compare tap water safety, EPA test scores, and water hardness across neighboring cities in New Jersey:

Absecon, NJ2 ZIP codes
Grade C
Adelphia, NJ1 ZIP code
Grade D
Allamuchy, NJ1 ZIP code
Grade C
Allendale, NJ1 ZIP code
Grade C
Allenhurst, NJ1 ZIP code
Grade D
Allentown, NJ1 ZIP code
Grade D
Allenwood, NJ1 ZIP code
Grade D
Alloway, NJ1 ZIP code
Grade C

Frequently Asked Questions — Newark Water Quality & Testing

Is tap water safe to drink in Newark, NJ?+
Yes — tap water in Newark meets federal EPA standards and earns a B grade. It is generally safe for healthy adults. As always, running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a filter adds extra protection for vulnerable populations.
How do I test water quality in Newark, NJ?+
To test water quality in Newark, you can order an EPA-compliant drinking water test kit or submit samples to a state-certified environmental testing laboratory in NJ. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 (to check for lead in plumbing) and for properties with private well systems.
Should I test private well water in Newark?+
Yes. Unlike municipal tap water, private wells in Newark, NJ are not monitored or regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners are responsible for testing their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
How hard is the tap water in Newark?+
Tap water in Newark is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated average hardness of 105 mg/L (6.1 GPG). A water softener is generally optional.
What is the water quality score for Newark?+
The average water quality score across 20 ZIP codes in Newark, NJ is 81/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Newark have lead in its tap water?+
8 out of 20 ZIP codes in Newark are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.
Where does Newark's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Newark, NJ primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

Looking for water quality reports in other cities in New Jersey?

View All Cities & ZIPs in New Jersey