TapSafetyReport
D39/100

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

Serving 10,759 residents · New Jersey

What's In West Caldwell's Tap Water?

69
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOA
0.008 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
PFOS
0.004 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
1,4-dioxane
0.700 µg/L—Above Goal

EPA Violation History

12

Violations (last 5yr)

6

Unresolved

2

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

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

When: July 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: June 19, 2025 – August 8, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring violation

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

When: March 11, 2025 – March 19, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

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

When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

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

When: January 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: December 3, 2024 – August 8, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Public notification violation

When: July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Ground Water 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: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Public notification violation

When: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

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

When: July 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: 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

WEST CALDWELL WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served

10,759

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

NJ0721001

Frequently Asked Questions About West Caldwell Water

Is West Caldwell tap water safe to drink?

West Caldwell, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of D (39/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 30 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in West Caldwell's water?

Of the 69 contaminants tested in West Caldwell's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, 1,4-dioxane. 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 West Caldwell have any water quality violations?

Yes, West Caldwell has 30 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, RPT. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in West Caldwell?

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

West Caldwell's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by WEST CALDWELL WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 10,759 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

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

West Caldwell's water quality score of 39/100 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 West Caldwell's water quality?

If you have concerns about West Caldwell'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 (WEST CALDWELL 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.

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