Bergen County Water Quality: 70 Violations (NJ)
19 water systems · 71 ZIP codes · Grade D · Updated 2026-07-19
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-19
Violation Trend
EPA violations across water systems in Bergen County.
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Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Bergen County has 19 community water systems serving approximately 1,377,092 people across 71 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 70 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 7% of all violations in Bergen County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 5 | 7.1% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 65 | 92.9% |
| Total | 70 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ridgewood | 22 | 0 | 2 | 26,076 |
| 2 | Ramsey | 20 | 0 | 1 | 14,722 |
| 3 | Wallington | 9 | 0 | 1 | 11,825 |
| 4 | Saddle Brook | 8 | 2 | 1 | 14,349 |
| 5 | Park Ridge | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9,218 |
| 6 | Mahwah | 2 | 2 | 2 | 25,375 |
| 7 | Oakland | 2 | 0 | 1 | 12,676 |
| 8 | Garfield | 1 | 0 | 1 | 32,502 |
| 9 | Lyndhurst | 1 | 0 | 1 | 22,343 |
| 10 | Haworth | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3,321 |
Violation Trend
Year-by-year EPA violations across water systems in Bergen County:
| Year | Total | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 5 |
| 2024 | 10 | 10 |
| 2025 | 13 | 13 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 21 | 8 | Yes |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 6 | 4 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 6 | 5 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 5 | 4 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 5 | 5 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 5 | 3 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 4 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 2 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 | 1 | No |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in Bergen County receives a safety score from 0-100 based on EPA compliance data. Scores factor in the number and severity of violations, with health-based violations weighted more heavily than monitoring failures. Resolved violations (where the system returned to compliance) receive reduced weight in the scoring.
The county-level grade (D) represents the average across all 71 ZIP codes. Individual ZIP codes may vary significantly — a county with a B grade may contain both A-rated and D-rated areas.
Water Systems in Bergen County
Bergen County is served by 19 community water systems, averaging 0.3 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in Bergen County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in Bergen County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water system data including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 591 enforcement actions against water systems in Bergen County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Bergen County, NJ
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Bergen County
Water quality varies across Bergen County's 71 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07446 | Ramsey | C | 64 | 20 | 0 | View → |
| 07451 | Ridgewood | C | 66 | 11 | 0 | View → |
| 07450 | Ridgewood | D | 51 | 11 | 0 | View → |
| 07057 | Wallington | C | 55 | 9 | 0 | View → |
| 07663 | Saddle Brook | C | 60 | 8 | 2 | View → |
| 07656 | Park Ridge | B | 75 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 07436 | Oakland | C | 66 | 2 | 0 | View → |
| 07495 | Mahwah | B | 78 | 1 | 1 | View → |
| 07071 | Lyndhurst | C | 68 | 1 | 0 | View → |
| 07641 | Haworth | C | 67 | 1 | 1 | View → |
| 07026 | Garfield | C | 66 | 1 | 0 | View → |
| 07430 | Mahwah | C | 64 | 1 | 1 | View → |
| 07481 | Wyckoff | B | 77 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 07608 | Teterboro | C | 63 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 07620 | Alpine | C | 63 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 07632 | Englewood Cliffs | C | 63 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 07024 | Fort Lee | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 07401 | Allendale | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 07417 | Franklin Lakes | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 07432 | Midland Park | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View → |
What is a water quality grade?
ZipCheckup grades water systems from A to F based on EPA violation history, contaminant levels, and system compliance. Grade A means few or no violations; Grade F indicates persistent or serious issues. Bergen County's overall grade is D.
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Bergen County, New Jersey?
Bergen County has 19 community water systems with 70 recorded EPA violations, including 5 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does Bergen County have?
Bergen County has 70 total EPA violations across 71 ZIP codes. 5 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in Bergen County has the most water violations?
Ridgewood has the most violations in Bergen County with 22 recorded EPA violations across 2 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in Bergen County water?
Bergen County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in Bergen County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).