D32/100
Hoboken Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 314,000 residents · New Jersey
What's In Hoboken's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.009 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.008 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.006 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – August 13, 2021Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
HOBOKEN WATER UTILITY
Population Served
52,000
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NJ0905001
JERSEY CITY MUA
Population Served
262,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NJ0906001
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoboken Water
Is Hoboken tap water safe to drink?
Hoboken, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of D (32/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 78 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Hoboken's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Hoboken's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Lead (90th percentile). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Hoboken have any water quality violations?
Yes, Hoboken has 78 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MCL, RPT. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Hoboken?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Hoboken is recommended. 2 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Hoboken's tap water come from?
Hoboken's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by HOBOKEN WATER UTILITY and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 314,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Hoboken's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Hoboken's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Hoboken's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Hoboken's water quality score of 32/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our New Jersey state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Hoboken's water quality?
If you have concerns about Hoboken's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (HOBOKEN WATER UTILITY) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.