North Caldwell, NJ
Tap Water Quality Report
Residential housing typical of North Caldwell, NJ
The Verdict
North Caldwell's tap water quality is rated Subpar (D+). This borough in Essex County, New Jersey sources water from 16 wells drawing from the Watchung Basalt and Brunswick Shale formations, supplemented by surface water from the Passaic and Pompton Rivers and Wanaque Reservoir. The main concern driving this rating is PFOA contamination, which peaked at 8 ppt - twice the future EPA limit of 4 ppt. Lead levels are at 2.87 ppb, below the EPA action level. Additionally, the system reported two chlorine monitoring violations in 2024.
Disclaimer: The Town Water Check grading system is our opinion, based on measured contaminant levels as well as the known effects on long-term human health. Others may reach a different conclusion. For the most current information, please consult your water provider or municipality.
Summary
North Caldwell is a borough in Essex County, New Jersey, serving approximately 7,000 residents. This affluent community relies on a combination of 16 groundwater wells (tapping the Watchung Basalt and Brunswick Shale aquifers) and surface water from the Passaic River, Pompton River, and Wanaque Reservoir through regional water supply partnerships.
According to the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), the primary water quality concern is PFOA levels, which peaked at 8 parts per trillion - double the future EPA limit of 4 ppt. While this still meets current regulations, it significantly impacts the water quality grade. Lead was measured at 2.87 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. The system also reported two chlorine disinfectant monitoring violations in 2024, highlighting the need for improved monitoring procedures. Heavy metals including arsenic, chromium, mercury, and cadmium are either undetected or present at very low levels.
Good News
All levels of biological and radiological contaminants, pesticides and left-over disinfecting products were either undetectable or well within EPA limits.
Without water, life is not possible. It's needed for transporting and dissolving nutrients, maintaining body temperature as well as our very shape. In fact, humans are about 60% water. Drinking quality water is as important for good health and longevity as eating well and exercising.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have a high atomic weight and density. While some are essential nutrients in small amounts, others can be toxic even at low concentrations. The EPA sets Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for heavy metals in drinking water to protect public health.
North Caldwell Heavy Metals Results:
Mercury and Cadmium: Undetected
Arsenic: Undetected
Lead: Detected at 29% of EPA action level (2.87 ppb vs. 15 ppb limit)
Chromium: Detected at 1.7% of EPA limit
All heavy metals are well within EPA safety standards. While the goal is zero for lead due to its toxicity, North Caldwell's levels are within acceptable ranges. The absence of arsenic is particularly positive.
EPA limits and primary health effects for heavy metals
North Caldwell heavy metals levels relative to EPA limits - all within safe ranges
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of man-made chemicals created in the 1930s by bonding Carbon and Fluorine atoms. This bond is one of the strongest in chemistry, making PFAS extremely persistent in the environment and the human body - hence the name "forever chemicals." PFAS have been used in countless products including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foams.
PFAS are commonly found in non-stick cookware and food packaging
North Caldwell PFAS Results:
PFOA: 288% of future EPA limit (11.52 ppt peak vs. 4.0 ppt limit) - exceeds future standards
PFOS: 75% of future EPA limit (3.0 ppt) - within standards
PFHxS: 49% of future EPA limit - within standards
HFPO-DA (Gen X): Not detected
PFNA: Not detected
North Caldwell exceeded future EPA limits (288% for PFOA), which was a key factor in the D+ (Subpar) grade. These limits are being debated and are not currently legally enforceable. However, research shows that PFAS can compromise the immune system, increase cholesterol levels, cause developmental issues in children, and increase cancer rates.
North Caldwell PFAS levels - PFOA exceeds future EPA health advisory limits
Other Contaminants
No other significant contaminant issues were detected in North Caldwell's water supply. While TTHM, uranium, radium, HAA5, and various minerals are present, they remain within EPA acceptable limits.
Other contaminants in North Caldwell - all within EPA safety standards
Notable Findings:
- TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) at 58% of EPA limit
- Uranium at 44% of EPA limit
- Radium at 37% of EPA limit
- HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) at 35% of EPA limit
- Gross Alpha radiation at 21% of EPA limit
- Nitrate at 20% of EPA limit
- Chlorine at 19% of EPA limit
- Aluminum at 13% of EPA limit
- Copper at 9.7% of EPA limit
- Barium at 8.7% of EPA limit
Our Grading System
Like nature's masterpiece, a glass of pristine water is something to behold. Yet, when various contaminants are present, it's a different story. Consider the image of the Mona Lisa on the left and compare it to the image on the right, which contains several key water contaminants overlaid on it.
Important note about fluoride: We consider fluoride separately from other contaminants due to its unique status as an intentionally added substance for dental health benefits. While we note its presence, it does not negatively impact our water quality grades, as it is added by design rather than being an unwanted contaminant.
Illustrating how contaminants affect water quality, similar to how alterations affect a masterpiece
How We Grade:
We evaluate water quality based on the toxicity of each contaminant, the level at which it is present, as well as the cumulative impact of all detected contaminants.
How Does North Caldwell Compare?
The D+, Subpar rating is below average for the local area. Nearby Orange, New Jersey with no detectable lead, arsenic or forever chemicals, was the only local municipality to rate excellent.
Regional water quality comparison - North Caldwell and neighboring communities
Better than North Caldwell:
- Orange (A)
- Montclair (B)
- Wayne (B+)
Worse than North Caldwell:
- West Caldwell (D+)
- Fairfield (D)
- Cedar Grove (D)
- Little Falls (D+)
- Caldwell (C)
- Essex Fells (C)
- Verona (F)
Our Filter Recommendation
Given the levels of PFAS and heavy metals in North Caldwell tap water, we recommend using a reverse osmosis (RO) type filter with a NSF/ANSI 58 standard. Alternatively, some Carbon Block filters with an NSF/ANSI 53 rating may also be effective.
Just ensure they are certified to remove your particular water contaminants. If you would like to find out more about these filters, please visit: www.townwatercheck.com/water-filter-selection
Note: The Consumer Confidence Report does not indicate active water fluoridation in North Caldwell.
Filter options: Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems and Carbon Block filters
A scenic suburban roadway characteristic of North Caldwell, NJ
We hope that our tap water information has proven helpful.
Notes:
- For the latest tap water information, check with your water provider or municipality.
- Relatively recent discoveries that even miniscule PPT (parts per trillion) levels of PFAS are harmful, and the resulting legislation, have created a very challenging situation for water supply companies, since commercial filtration infrastructure cannot be changed overnight.
- The influence of contaminants on health relates to chronic, long-term, not acute or immediate effects. We make no claims, positive or negative, regarding tap water safety.
- Sampled tap water data tends to be more conservative than the average glass of tap water, often citing the 9th worst of 10 samples.
- The information contained in this report may not reflect the views of our advisors.
- Please contact Town Water Check if you feel we have made an error.
- For purposes of consistency, we use EPA limits throughout this report, not state or local limits.
Town Water Check wishes you a healthy and informed life and a cleaner, more beautiful planet.