Newark, New Jersey, has faced intense public scrutiny regarding its drinking water quality in recent years, leading to understandable concern among residents. Historical challenges with aging infrastructure created a public health issue that prompted large-scale intervention from the city. This article provides a clear, up-to-date analysis of Newark’s water supply, examining the current safety status and the significant infrastructure improvements that have been implemented. The focus is on providing a factual assessment of whether the water is safe to drink today based on modern testing protocols and completed projects.
Current Assessment of Water Quality
Based on the most recent data, Newark’s municipal drinking water currently meets or exceeds the safety standards established by both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The city’s annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR), which detail testing data for hundreds of contaminants, affirm this compliance. This current safety profile applies specifically to the water delivered from the municipal treatment facilities and through the main distribution system.
Testing for lead and copper is conducted semi-annually and is a primary metric for determining the effectiveness of the city’s corrective actions. The substantial reduction in lead levels following extensive infrastructure work has restored confidence in the water supply. Water quality parameters are monitored throughout the year, confirming that the operational processes designed to protect public health are functioning as intended. The current assessment concludes that the water is safe to consume directly from the tap in the vast majority of cases.
Source of Supply and Treatment Processes
Newark’s water originates primarily from the Pequannock Watershed, a protected source that feeds a system of five reservoirs located in the northern part of the state. This surface water source undergoes a multi-step treatment process at the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant before being distributed. The initial stage involves particulate removal, including microscreening, coagulation, and sedimentation to remove suspended solids from the raw water.
Following these physical separation steps, the water moves through filtration, often utilizing dual media or ultrafiltration, to capture smaller particles and microorganisms. Disinfection is accomplished through chlorination, which eliminates any remaining pathogens and maintains water quality as it travels through the pipe network. Corrosion control treatment, which involves pH adjustment and the addition of an orthophosphate inhibitor, is a key safety measure.
Orthophosphate is a food-grade additive that forms a microscopic, protective film on the inside surfaces of water pipes, including those made of lead or copper. This coating acts as a physical barrier, preventing the water from directly contacting the metal pipe material and inhibiting the leaching of lead or copper into the drinking water. The maintenance of this chemical corrosion control is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an effective method for reducing heavy metal exposure within a water system.
The Lead Service Line Replacement Initiative
Current water safety is directly linked to the city’s response to issues caused by aging infrastructure and an inadequate corrosion control strategy. Beginning around 2016, testing revealed elevated lead levels, with some samples showing concentrations well above the federal action level of 15 parts per billion. The primary source of this contamination was the thousands of private lead service lines (LSLs) connecting homes to the city’s water mains, which were corroding and releasing lead.
In response, Newark launched the Lead Service Line Replacement Initiative. The project, which began in early 2019, was initially projected to take up to ten years to complete. However, with dedicated financial investment and streamlined execution, the city replaced nearly 24,000 LSLs in less than three years.
The replacement work involved physically removing the old lead pipes and installing new, non-corrosive copper service lines. This physical removal of the primary source of lead contamination is the foundational reason for the improvement in water quality testing results seen today. The project was completed in February 2022, effectively eliminating the vast majority of lead pipes within the city’s service area.
Recommendations for Residents
While Newark’s municipal water supply is now safer, residents should remain proactive about their home plumbing, especially in older buildings. The city’s responsibility ends at the service line, meaning internal plumbing, including fixtures, faucets, and lead solder connecting copper pipes, may still pose a risk of lead exposure. Homeowners can minimize potential lead exposure by taking simple actions.
If water has been sitting motionless in the plumbing for several hours, such as overnight or when returning from work, flush the tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. This action clears the water that has been in contact with household plumbing, bringing in fresh, treated water from the main. For an added layer of protection, especially for households with pregnant women or young children, consider installing a water filter certified by a third-party organization like NSF International.
When purchasing a filter, look for certification specifically for lead reduction, typically designated as NSF 53 certified. Residents who remain concerned about their individual circumstances can request a free home water test to check for lead levels in their specific tap water. Further details on water quality, including the annual Consumer Confidence Report, are available on the city’s Department of Water and Sewer Utilities website, providing full transparency on the system’s performance.