D23/100
Rockaway Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 21,066 residents · New Jersey
What's In Rockaway's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.011 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.009 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
8
Violations (last 5yr)
4
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
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: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
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: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: 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: October 10, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Violation related to Turbidity
When: April 17, 2023 – July 24, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
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, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Violation related to Turbidity
When: December 12, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Violation related to Turbidity
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 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
ROCKAWAY BORO WATER DEPT
Population Served
7,066
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NJ1434001
ROCKAWAY TWP WATER DEPT
Population Served
14,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NJ1435002
Frequently Asked Questions About Rockaway Water
Is Rockaway tap water safe to drink?
Rockaway, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of D (23/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 174 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Rockaway's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Rockaway'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 Rockaway have any water quality violations?
Yes, Rockaway has 174 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, Other, RPT. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Rockaway?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Rockaway 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 Rockaway's tap water come from?
Rockaway's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by ROCKAWAY BORO WATER DEPT and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 21,066 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Rockaway'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. Rockaway'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 Rockaway's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Rockaway's water quality score of 23/100 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 Rockaway's water quality?
If you have concerns about Rockaway'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 (ROCKAWAY BORO WATER DEPT) 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.