The safety of Newark’s tap water has drawn national attention and prompted a significant infrastructure response. While past issues caused concern, the current status reflects years of intensive intervention by the city and state regulatory bodies. This analysis examines the latest data, the historic infrastructure project, the ongoing treatment processes, and the practical steps residents can take to understand their drinking water quality.
Current Water Quality Assessment
Newark’s drinking water is currently in compliance with all federally mandated health standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The system regularly monitors for a wide array of regulated contaminants to ensure the water meets the established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). This regulatory compliance means that the water delivered to the city’s distribution system meets the required safety benchmarks for public consumption.
The system tests for contaminants beyond lead, including microbiological agents, nitrates, and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes. Recent Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) indicate the water system is meeting compliance standards for these substances. Trace amounts of some substances, such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), may be detected, but compliance is maintained through strict monitoring and treatment protocols. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, particularly at treatment plants, aim to proactively address emerging contaminants and maintain this high level of compliance.
The Lead Service Line Replacement Program
The most significant historical water quality challenge involved elevated lead levels caused by the failure of corrosion control treatment, allowing lead to leach from old service lines. This was primarily due to the vast network of lead service lines connecting municipal water mains to individual homes. The issue was the pathway the water traveled, not the source water itself.
In response, the city launched a comprehensive Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program, which became a national benchmark for speed and scope. The program began in March 2019 and was completed in February 2022, replacing over 23,000 lead service lines in less than three years. This accelerated timeline was funded by a $120 million bond from Essex County, allowing the work to proceed at no cost to residents.
The service lines were replaced with inert copper pipes, eliminating the infrastructure component responsible for historical lead exceedances. This project directly addressed the source of the lead contamination within the distribution system. The successful completion of the LSLR program is the primary reason for the sustained improvement in lead testing results across the city.
Water Sourcing and Treatment Infrastructure
Newark sources its water primarily from two high-quality surface water systems in northern New Jersey: the Pequannock Watershed and the Wanaque Reservoir system. Before distribution, the water undergoes a rigorous, multi-step treatment process at facilities like the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant.
The treatment includes coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration to remove particulates and impurities. Water is then disinfected, typically using chlorination, to eliminate microbial pathogens. A particularly important step is the continuous application of orthophosphate, a food-grade additive that functions as an anticorrosive agent.
The orthophosphate coats the inside of remaining household plumbing, fixtures, and galvanized lines, creating a protective barrier. This continuous corrosion control strategy prevents the leaching of lead or copper from internal home plumbing, which was not replaced by the city program. The city is also upgrading its filtration media to Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and adding Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) processes to enhance the removal of organic contaminants.
Understanding Testing and Monitoring Results
The city’s water quality is verified through an extensive monitoring schedule mandated by state and federal law. Testing occurs daily, weekly, quarterly, and annually, depending on the specific contaminant. Residents receive the most comprehensive summary of these results each year in the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), available on the Newark Water Department’s website.
The CCR reports on Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and Action Levels (ALs). An MCL is the highest legally enforceable concentration of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. The Action Level (AL), relevant for lead and copper, is a trigger for required corrective action, such as public education or corrosion control optimization, if the contaminant is found above this level in more than 10 percent of sampled homes. Lead and copper monitoring is conducted semi-annually and reported to the state in December and June.
Residents can access real-time and historical data through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s New Jersey Drinking Water Watch database. Understanding the difference between a detected level and a violation of the MCL or AL is useful for accurately interpreting the official monitoring results.
Practical Safety Recommendations for Residents
Despite the success of the service line replacement program and ongoing treatment, residents can take simple, proactive steps to ensure high water quality. The city recommends flushing taps after the water has been sitting unused for several hours, such as first thing in the morning. Running the cold water tap for 30 seconds helps clear water that may have been in contact with household plumbing fixtures.
For maximum protection, especially for households with pregnant women, infants, or young children, consider using a point-of-use water filter certified for lead reduction. Look for filters with NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification, which verifies the filter’s ability to reduce lead to safe levels. Filters must be maintained and cartridges replaced according to manufacturer instructions to remain effective.
The city continues to offer free water testing to residents concerned about their internal plumbing. Residents should contact the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities to request this testing. Regularly cleaning faucet aerators and filter screens can also prevent the build-up of sediment.