D28/100
Totowa Borough Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 10,804 residents · New Jersey
What's In Totowa Borough'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 | 0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 220.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
3
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
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.
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2024 – August 16, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: November 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment 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
TOTOWA W DEPT
Population Served
10,804
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NJ1612001
Frequently Asked Questions About Totowa Borough Water
Is Totowa Borough tap water safe to drink?
Totowa Borough, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of D (28/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 54 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Totowa Borough's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Totowa Borough's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 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 Totowa Borough have any water quality violations?
Yes, Totowa Borough has 54 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Totowa Borough?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Totowa Borough 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 Totowa Borough's tap water come from?
Totowa Borough's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by TOTOWA W DEPT. The system serves approximately 10,804 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Totowa Borough'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. Totowa Borough'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 Totowa Borough's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Totowa Borough's water quality score of 28/100 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 Totowa Borough's water quality?
If you have concerns about Totowa Borough'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 (TOTOWA W 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.