Water Quality in Lake Hopatcong, NJ: 69 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 35/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Lake Hopatcong's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Lake Hopatcong, NJ surfaces 69 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lake Hopatcong
Water quality varies across Lake Hopatcong's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07849 | F | 35 | 69 | 10 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Lake Hopatcong.
Water Quality Overview
Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 35 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Lake Hopatcong have accumulated 69 EPA violations, including 10 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 13,090 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Lake Hopatcong's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Lake Hopatcong water systems is 0.0035 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 72% of homes built before 1986, Lake Hopatcong 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
Lake Hopatcong is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Lake Hopatcong
Lake Hopatcong is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 13,090 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lake Hopatcong. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Lake Hopatcong
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 Lake Hopatcong Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Lake Hopatcong's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 30 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 13 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Lake Hopatcong:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2022 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lake Hopatcong. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-09 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-03 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-26 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-06.
Lake Hopatcong vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities
How Lake Hopatcong's water quality compares to similar cities in New Jersey:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Hopatcong | F | 69 | 3 | 13,090 |
| Bogota | C | 0 | 1 | 13,155 |
| Elmwood Park | D | 0 | 1 | 13,155 |
| Hackensack | D | 0 | 1 | 13,155 |
Common Questions About Lake Hopatcong Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey:
Is Lake Hopatcong water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Lake Hopatcong's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Lake Hopatcong tap water? Lake Hopatcong's water receives a grade of F (35/100). There are 10 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Lake Hopatcong? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Lake Hopatcong vs. New Jersey Average
Understanding how Lake Hopatcong 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 Lake Hopatcong.
ZIP Codes in Lake Hopatcong
Lake Hopatcong spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 07849. 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.