F18/100
Rahway Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 27,300 residents · New Jersey
What's In Rahway's Tap Water?
70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.41 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 290.00 µg/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 – July 14, 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
RAHWAY WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
27,300
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NJ2013001
Frequently Asked Questions About Rahway Water
Is Rahway tap water safe to drink?
Rahway, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of F (18/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 23 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Rahway's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Rahway's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Rahway have any water quality violations?
Yes, Rahway has 23 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Rahway?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Rahway is recommended. 1 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 Rahway's tap water come from?
Rahway's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by RAHWAY WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 27,300 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Rahway'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. Rahway'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 Rahway's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Rahway's water quality score of 18/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. 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 Rahway's water quality?
If you have concerns about Rahway'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 (RAHWAY WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.