Newark, NJ: 20 Health Violations - 81/100 (2026)
20 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-07-19
ZipCheckup grade for Newark: B.
This ZIP looks solid, with a few items worth a quick check.
Your top priority: consider a certified water filter (20 health violations on record). NSF certified filters →
For households in Newark, NJ water data shows a consistently above-average safety picture.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS Last verified: 2026-07-19
What You Should Know About Newark Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 40 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0041 mg/L.
Water Quality in Newark
We track water quality and home safety data for 20 ZIP codes in Newark, New Jersey, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 307,360 people.
20 of 20 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations - 40 total, including 20 health-based violations.
Average Home Safety Score: B (81/100)
Water sources: Surface water.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 40 | 20 |
Lead Risk
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0041 mg/L
- 69% of housing built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
- 31% of housing built before 1950 (when lead pipes were standard)
- Median year built: 1970
- Most common estimated pipe material: Copper
- Lead exposure risk score: 56/100
- Estimated lead service line probability: 22%
- 8 ZIP codes classified as high or very high lead risk
With 69% of homes built before the 1986 lead solder ban, Newark residents - especially those in older neighborhoods - should consider testing their tap water for lead. Homes built before 1950 are at the highest risk of having lead service lines.
Housing Age Distribution
121,931 total housing units across 20 ZIP codes:
| Era | Units | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1940 | 27,555 | 23% |
| 1940–1949 | 10,805 | 9% |
| 1950–1959 | 13,019 | 11% |
| 1960–1969 | 15,102 | 12% |
| 1970–1979 | 13,424 | 11% |
| 1980–1989 | 9,064 | 7% |
| 1990–1999 | 11,864 | 10% |
| 2000–2009 | 15,100 | 12% |
| 2010–2019 | 5,891 | 5% |
| 2020+ | 107 | 0% |
Flood Risk
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program data for Newark:
- 306 flood insurance claims on record
- $25,712,292 total paid out
- $84,027 average claim payout
- Dominant FEMA flood zone: X (Low risk)
- 5 of 20 ZIP codes in high-risk flood zones (A/V)
Radon Risk
Dominant EPA radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 20 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Neighborhoods by Safety Score
Safest Areas
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07101 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07102 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07103 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07107 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07108 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07112 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07175 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07184 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07188 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07189 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
Areas Needing Attention
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07114 | 72/100 | B | 2 |
| 07105 | 72/100 | B | 2 |
| 07106 | 77/100 | B | 2 |
| 07104 | 77/100 | B | 2 |
| 07199 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07198 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07195 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07193 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07192 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
| 07191 | 82/100 | B | 2 |
What Newark Residents Can Do
Test Your Water
- Order a certified lab test - home test kits cost $20–50 and cover lead, bacteria, and common contaminants
- Request your utility's CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) - your water provider must publish this annually
- Check your ZIP code - each area in Newark has different water systems and risk levels
Filter Your Water
- NSF-certified pitcher filter removes chlorine taste and some contaminants ($20–40)
- NSF 53-certified filter for lead - recommended for homes built before 1986
- Reverse osmosis system removes 95%+ of contaminants including lead, PFAS, and nitrates ($150–400)
Test for Radon
- Newark is in a moderate-risk radon area
- Short-term radon test kits cost $10–25
- If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, EPA recommends professional mitigation
Stay Informed
- Visit your ZIP code report for detailed, address-level data
- Sign up for EPA water quality alerts
- Review the annual water quality report from your local utility
All ZIP Codes in Newark
- 07101 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07102 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07103 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07104 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07105 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07106 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07107 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07108 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07112 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07114 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07175 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07184 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07188 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07189 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07191 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07192 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07193 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07195 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07198 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
- 07199 [B] - 2 violations ⚠
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe to drink in Newark, NJ?
Newark has an average Home Safety Score of 81/100 (grade B) across 20 ZIP codes. There are 40 recorded EPA violations, 20 of which are health-based. Safety varies by neighborhood - check your specific ZIP code report for details.
Does Newark have lead in the water?
The average 90th-percentile lead level across Newark is 0.0041 mg/L, below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. No ZIP codes currently exceed the EPA lead action level. About 69% of housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned.
Is Newark at risk for flooding?
FEMA data shows 306 flood insurance claims in Newark ZIP codes, with an average payout of $84,027. 5 of 20 ZIP codes are in high-risk FEMA flood zones (A or V).
Are there lead pipes in Newark homes?
69% of Newark housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was common in plumbing. 31% was built before 1950, when lead pipes were standard. The most common estimated pipe material is Copper. The estimated probability of lead service lines is 22%. We recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.
What contaminants have been found in Newark water?
The most common contaminants by violation count are Stage 1 DBP Rule. Across 20 ZIP codes, 20 have recorded EPA violations. Check your ZIP code report for the specific contaminants in your area.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
- Flood data: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
- Lead exposure: Composite risk score based on housing age, water lead levels, and service line estimates
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Housing & Infrastructure in Newark
Median build year of 1970 means many homes predate lead paint and lead solder regulations. Consider testing if your home has original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Newark has a newer housing profile - median build year 1970, placing most homes after the 1986 lead-solder ban.
Most homes in Newark were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Newark
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Newark appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Newark
Flood exposure in Newark is meaningful by NFIP measures - 306 claims on record and 0% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Newark has a moderate flood history with 306 FEMA claims. 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.
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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Newark, NJ