F0/100
Wanaque Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 10,266 residents · New Jersey
What's In Wanaque's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 230.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
10
Violations (last 5yr)
4
Unresolved
3
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: August 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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: April 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024Rule: 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: March 31, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: 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: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: December 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – August 30, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: September 29, 2022 – March 17, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Other Violation
When: July 22, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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
WANAQUE W DEPT.
Population Served
10,266
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NJ1613002
Frequently Asked Questions About Wanaque Water
Is Wanaque tap water safe to drink?
Wanaque, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 154 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Wanaque's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Wanaque's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Wanaque have any water quality violations?
Yes, Wanaque has 154 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include TT, MR, Other. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Wanaque?
Wanaque water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Wanaque's tap water come from?
Wanaque's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by WANAQUE W DEPT.. The system serves approximately 10,266 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Wanaque'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. Wanaque'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 Wanaque's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Wanaque'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 Wanaque's water quality?
If you have concerns about Wanaque'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 (WANAQUE 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.