F0/100

Ridgewood Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 61,700 residents · New Jersey

What's In Ridgewood's Tap Water?

69
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOA
0.013 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
PFOS
0.007 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
Lead (90th percentile)
0.006 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

16

Violations (last 5yr)

12

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 20, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025 – July 22, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 12, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – June 5, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2023 – February 28, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Turbidity

When: January 15, 2023 – April 26, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Turbidity

When: March 2, 2022 – April 26, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: 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

RIDGEWOOD WATER
Population Served

61,700

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

NJ0251001

Frequently Asked Questions About Ridgewood Water

Is Ridgewood tap water safe to drink?

Ridgewood, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 282 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Ridgewood's water?

Of the 69 contaminants tested in Ridgewood'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 Ridgewood have any water quality violations?

Yes, Ridgewood has 282 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Ridgewood?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Ridgewood 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 Ridgewood's tap water come from?

Ridgewood's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by RIDGEWOOD WATER. The system serves approximately 61,700 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Ridgewood'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. Ridgewood'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 Ridgewood's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?

Ridgewood's water quality score of 0/100 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 Ridgewood's water quality?

If you have concerns about Ridgewood'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 (RIDGEWOOD WATER) 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.

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