West Orange, New Jersey - Tap Water Quality
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The Verdict: D-
After careful review, West Orange, New Jersey's tap water quality received a D minus, or subpar on the Town Water Check index, which ranges from A to F.
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.
Since the results may be surprising, we'll explain our grading system and what led us to this conclusion. We will also take a look at how neighboring communities' tap water stack up to West Orange. But let's start with some good news.
All biological and radiological contaminants were either undetectable or well within EPA limits. This is great news and means that West Orange's water treatment processes are effectively handling these types of contaminants.
West Orange receives its water from the Short Hills system which sources the Passaic River, Canoe Brook, Brunswick Aquifer, as well as water purchased from other systems. 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.
Heavy Metals: The Invisible Threat
Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, chromium, mercury, and cadmium can leach into drinking water from natural deposits, industrial pollution, or aging infrastructure. Even at low levels, prolonged exposure to these contaminants can cause serious health issues, including neurological damage, cancer, and organ failure.
The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for these metals, but many health experts argue that there is no truly "safe" level of exposure, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
West Orange's Heavy Metal Levels
So in West Orange, although neither mercury nor cadmium were detected, low levels of lead, arsenic and chromium, at 10%, 20% and 1% of the EPA maximum respectively were present, but all within EPA limits. However, the ultimate goal for both lead and arsenic is to be so low as to be undetectable.
PFAS: The Forever Chemicals
In the 1930s, chemists discovered that by bonding carbon to fluorine, they could create incredibly stable compounds that resisted heat, water, and oil. These compounds, known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), became the backbone of countless products: non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam, and even food packaging.
But there was a catch: PFAS don't break down. Ever. They accumulate in the environment, in our bodies, and in our water supplies. The EPA has set a limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for certain PFAS compoundsāa level so low it's almost unimaginable. To put that in perspective, 4 ppt is like finding 4 drops of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. That's 2,500 times stricter than the lead limit.
West Orange's PFAS Problem
Here's where West Orange's water quality takes a hit. The municipality's water contains PFOA at 225% of the future EPA limit and PFOS at 250% of the future EPA limit. These are two of the most studied and concerning PFAS compounds, linked to cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, and developmental issues in children.
This is why West Orange earns a D- grade. While other contaminants are under control, the PFAS levels are alarmingly high and pose a significant health risk, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and young children.
Important Note: The new EPA limits on PFAS used in this report are currently being debated as to when and whether to actually implement them. West Orange exceeded these limits, which was the main contributing factor towards the D- grade, but they are not currently legally enforceable. Note that to be consistent, we use the strictest EPA levels ever set, whether enforceable or not, not state or local limits.
Health Effects of PFAS: Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Other Contaminants: No Significant Issues
On a more positive note, no other significant issues were detected in West Orange tap water. Contaminants like tetrachloroethylene, nitrate, radium, gross alpha, uranium, TTHM (total trihalomethanes), HAA5 (haloacetic acids), copper, and turbidity are all within EPA limits.
How We Grade Water Quality
Think of H2O as nature's masterpieceāpure, life-giving, and essential. But when contaminants enter the picture, it's like someone took a paintbrush to the Mona Lisa. A little smudge here, a splash of color there, and suddenly, the masterpiece isn't quite what it used to be.
Our grading system evaluates water quality based on the presence and levels of multiple contaminants. The purer the water, the better the grade. We use stricter, future EPA limits where applicable, because we believe in holding water quality to the highest standards.
We do make exceptions for beneficial additives like fluoride and naturally occurring minerals that are good for you. However, when multiple contaminants are present, even at low levels, they can compound and impact your overall gradeāand your health.
How Does West Orange Compare to Nearby Towns?
The town's D- subpar rating is actually typical of the local area. Nearby Orange, New Jersey with no detectable lead, arsenic or forever chemicals, was the only local municipality to rate excellent.
What Can You Do? Filter Your Water
Given the level of PFAS and modest levels of heavy metals, 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
Final Thoughts
We hope that our tap water information has proven helpful.
Note: The Consumer Confidence Report does not indicate active water fluoridation in West Orange, NJ.
For the latest tap water info, check with your water provider or municipality. We make no claims, positive or negative, regarding water safety.
Town Water Check wishes you a healthy and informed life and a cleaner, more beautiful planet.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available data from the 2024/2025 Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) provided by the municipality or water provider.
Nearby Municipalities
Compare West Orange's water quality with nearby communities: