C51/100
South Orange Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 16,964 residents · New Jersey
What's In South Orange's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
strontium | 3000.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
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
SOUTH ORANGE WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
16,964
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NJ0719001
Frequently Asked Questions About South Orange Water
Is South Orange tap water safe to drink?
South Orange, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of C (51/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 31 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in South Orange's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in South Orange's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, Lead (90th percentile), strontium. 1 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 South Orange have any water quality violations?
Yes, South Orange has 31 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include MR, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in South Orange?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in South Orange 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 South Orange's tap water come from?
South Orange's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by SOUTH ORANGE WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 16,964 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is South Orange'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. South Orange'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 South Orange's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
South Orange's water quality score of 51/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our New Jersey state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about South Orange's water quality?
If you have concerns about South Orange'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 (SOUTH ORANGE 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.