Water Quality in East Orange, NJ: 72 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
East Orange's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Drinking water compliance data for East Orange, NJ reflects 72 EPA violations — details in the grid below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in East Orange
Water quality varies across East Orange's 3 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07017 | C | 59 | 24 | 0 | View report → |
| 07018 | C | 64 | 24 | 0 | View report → |
| 07019 | C | 65 | 24 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
East Orange, New Jersey receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving East Orange have accumulated 72 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 3 ZIP codes serving approximately 75,000 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. East Orange's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across East Orange water systems is 0.0027 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 84% of homes built before 1986, East Orange has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
East Orange is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving East Orange
East Orange is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 75,000 people across 3 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 30 enforcement actions against water systems serving East Orange. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in East Orange
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in East Orange Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across East Orange's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 24 | 3 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 3 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 3 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 3 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 3 | 3 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 3 | 3 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving East Orange. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-25 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-12-23 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-12-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-06-20 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-06-20 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-25.
East Orange vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities
How East Orange's water quality compares to similar cities in New Jersey:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Orange | C | 72 | 1 | 75,000 |
| Marlboro | C | 6 | 2 | 75,676 |
| Pennsauken | B | 5 | 2 | 71,644 |
| Old Bridge | C | 4 | 1 | 68,000 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in East Orange
Water quality varies across East Orange's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
Common Questions About East Orange Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in East Orange, New Jersey:
Is East Orange water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. East Orange's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink East Orange tap water? East Orange's water receives a grade of C (63/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for East Orange? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
East Orange vs. New Jersey Average
Understanding how East Orange compares to the broader New Jersey average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within East Orange.
ZIP Codes in East Orange
East Orange spans 3 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 07017. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.