Caldwell, NJ Water Safety: 57/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Caldwell, NJ reveals a split picture — tap water quality varies meaningfully by service area and the city's grade reflects that variability.
How Caldwell Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Caldwell Water
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.32.
Who Supplies Your Water in Caldwell
In Caldwell, NJ, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 2 leading providers out of 2 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Caldwell, New Jersey, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 26,417 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Caldwell — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Caldwell: C (57/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Caldwell water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Caldwell
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07006 | D | Caldwell Water Department | 9,027 |
| 07007 | C | ESSEX FELLS WATER HILLTOP SYSTEM | 354 |
All ZIP Codes in Caldwell
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Caldwell
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Caldwell Homeowners
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Caldwell, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Caldwell are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,400–$3,700 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 38% above the New Jersey average.
Flood & Climate Risk in Caldwell
FEMA data shows 100% of Caldwell's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 127 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Caldwell has a moderate flood history with 127 FEMA claims averaging $38,507 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,500</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Caldwell
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Caldwell, NJ