Water Quality in Oak Ridge, NJ: 5 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 36/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Oak Ridge'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
EPA files for Oak Ridge, NJ document 5 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Oak Ridge
Water quality varies across Oak Ridge's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07438 | D | 49 | 5 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Oak Ridge, New Jersey receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 36 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Oak Ridge have accumulated 5 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 100 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Oak Ridge'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 Oak Ridge water systems is 0.0230 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 62% of homes built before 1986, Oak Ridge 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
Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 100 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 Oak Ridge. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Oak Ridge
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 Oak Ridge Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Oak Ridge's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | 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 Oak Ridge. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-19 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-30 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-02-22 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-01-18 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-01-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-06-15 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-19.
Oak Ridge vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities
How Oak Ridge's water quality compares to similar cities in New Jersey:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Ridge | F | 5 | 1 | 100 |
| Berkeley Heights | D | 0 | 1 | 100 |
| Chatham | C | 0 | 1 | 100 |
| Cream Ridge | B | 0 | 1 | 100 |
Common Questions About Oak Ridge Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Oak Ridge, New Jersey:
Is Oak Ridge water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Oak Ridge's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Oak Ridge tap water? Oak Ridge's water receives a grade of F (36/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Oak Ridge? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Oak Ridge vs. New Jersey Average
Understanding how Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge.
ZIP Codes in Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 07438. 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.