June 14, 2026

Wanaque, NJ Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 10 regulated contaminants in this water system: Lead, Copper, Nitrate + 7 more.

Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.

Full contaminant breakdown

EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
LeadEPA health goal: zero 6.63 ppb 30.3 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 44%
Copper 293 ppb 2300 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 23%
Nitrate 1870 ppb 3900 ppb 10000 ppb 19%
Nitrate + nitrite 1530 ppb 2500 ppb 10000 ppb 15%
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 10.3 ppb 39.5 ppb 80 ppb 13%
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 5.27 ppb 11.2 ppb 60 ppb 9%
ArsenicEPA health goal: zero 0.582 ppb 0.659 ppb 10 ppb 6%
UraniumEPA health goal: zero 1.64 ppb 1.98 ppb 30 ppb 5%
Chromium (total) 2.35 ppb 3.14 ppb 100 ppb 2%
Barium 10.4 ppb 17.4 ppb 2000 ppb 1%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, Alachlor, Antimony, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, Cyanide, DBCP, Dichloromethane, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Fluoride, Gross alpha radioactivity, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Radium (combined), Selenium, Simazine, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Thallium, Toluene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Reverse osmosis (drinking water)

The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.

Shop reverse osmosis →

Whole-house carbon filtration

The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.

Shop whole-house systems →

Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.

Water Utility: Wanaque W Dept.
Population Served: 10,266 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

Wanaque, New Jersey drinking water is supplied by Wanaque W Dept.. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Health-Based Violation History

The following contaminants exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at this utility since 2010:

Contaminant Violation Years Filter Solution
Surface Water Treatment Rule 2023-2024 Water Filters

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.

PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections

PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.

PFAS Compound Level Detected Solution
PFHxS 0.0032 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFOS 0.0074 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFOA 0.0052 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFBS 0.0030 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFPeA 0.0041 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFHxA 0.0038 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFHpA 0.0032 ug/L PFAS Filters

Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.

Should You Filter Your Wanaque Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your Wanaque Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems certified to reduce PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS. We ship to all New Jersey addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop PFAS Water Filters →Take the Water Quiz

Filters for Wanaque, NJ Water Issues

Based on contaminants detected in this report, these systems are worth considering:

⚠️
PFAS / Forever Chemicals
NSF-certified filters proven to remove PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and 200+ contaminants.
Shop PFAS / Forever Chemicals Filters →
🔬
Arsenic
Whole-house systems with certified arsenic-reduction media.
Shop Arsenic Filters →
💧
Nitrates / Nitrites
Reverse osmosis systems that reduce nitrates to safe levels.
Shop Nitrates / Nitrites Filters →
🏠
Chlorine / Disinfection Byproducts
Whole-house carbon filters that eliminate chlorine taste, odor, and DBPs.
Shop Chlorine / Disinfection Byproducts Filters →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wanaque tap water safe to drink?

Wanaque W Dept. is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does Wanaque water have PFAS?

PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.

What water filter works best for Wanaque?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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