Community Water System · PWS NJ0242001
Oakland Water Dept
Oakland, New Jersey 07436 - drinking water served from groundwater sources to 12,754 people, tracked in EPA SDWIS and UCMR5.
- 12,754
- People served
- 186
- EPA violations
- 3
- Health-based
- 8 PFAS
- UCMR5 result
The verdict
EPA records 186 drinking-water violations at Oakland Water Dept, 2% of them health-based - above the New Jersey per-system average, and UCMR5 testing detected 8 PFAS compounds.
- 186
- Total EPA violations on record
- 2%
- Health-based (MCL / treatment failure)
- 12,754
- People served by this system
- 8
- PFAS compounds detected (UCMR5)
Water Quality Snapshot: Oakland Water Dept
Oakland Water Dept is a local-owned community water system that delivers drinking water to 12,754 residents in Oakland, New Jersey (Bergen County) through 4,800 service connections. Its water is drawn from groundwater sources. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System records 186 total violations for this system , of which 3 (2%) are health-based, meaning a contaminant exceeded an EPA Maximum Contaminant Level or a required treatment technique failed. A further 171 monitoring and reporting violations are on file. The most recent violation on record dates to 2025.
The most frequently cited contaminant at this system is Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), recorded in 20 violations (MR). Under EPA's UCMR5 PFAS monitoring program, 8 PFAS compounds were detected in samples collected from this system, with a maximum reported concentration of 23 ppt (parts per trillion). PFAS are persistent synthetic chemicals linked to health effects at very low exposure levels.
Across New Jersey, EPA tracks 3,428 public water systems serving 9,570,926 people, with 204,988 cumulative violations and 22,229 health-based violations on record. About 95% of systems in the state carry at least one violation, and state-wide the average per system is 59.8 violations. Statewide, 208 of 264 UCMR5-tested systems have reported PFAS detections (78.8%).
Oakland Water Dept's 186 violations sit above the New Jersey average.
All figures above are sourced directly from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 public data releases and are updated as EPA publishes new reporting cycles.
8 PFAS "forever chemicals" detected in testing under EPA's UCMR5 monitoring program.
System Details
- System Type
- Community
- Owner Type
- Local
- Connections
- 4,800
- County
- Bergen
- School/Daycare
- No
- MCL Violations
- 3
- Monitoring Violations
- 171
- Treatment Tech Violations
- 0
Violation History
Contaminant violations recorded by EPA.
| Contaminant | Category | Count | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | MR | 20 | 2004 |
| Chlorine | MR | 8 | 2021 |
| E. COLI | MR | 7 | 2025 |
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| 1,2-Dichloroethane | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| Carbon tetrachloride | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| Trichloroethylene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| Tetrachloroethylene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| Benzene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| Ethylbenzene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| TTHM | MR | 6 | 2004 |
| Xylenes, Total | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| DICHLOROMETHANE | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| o-Dichlorobenzene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| p-Dichlorobenzene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| Vinyl chloride | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| Styrene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| Toluene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| 1,2-Dichloropropane | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| CHLOROBENZENE | MR | 6 | 2017 |
| Nitrate | MR | 4 | 2002 |
| Public Notice | Other | 2 | 2004 |
| Tetrachloroethylene | MCL | 2 | 1990 |
| Coliform (TCR) | MCL | 1 | 2004 |
PFAS Testing Results (UCMR5)
Results from EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. 34 of 203 samples detected PFAS.
| Contaminant | Date | Result | MRL | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeS | 7/6/2023 | <4.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | 7/6/2023 | <20.00 ppt | 20.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | 7/6/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | 7/6/2023 | <5.00 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | 7/6/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS | 7/6/2023 | <5.00 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA | 7/6/2023 | <5.00 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| ADONA | 7/6/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | 7/6/2023 | <2.00 ppt | 2.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | 7/6/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | 7/6/2023 | <2.00 ppt | 2.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | 7/6/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 7/6/2023 | <5.00 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFBS | 7/6/2023 | 15.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFHpA | 7/6/2023 | 4.60 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFHxS | 7/6/2023 | 3.80 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFOS | 7/6/2023 | 23.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFOA | 7/6/2023 | 22.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFHxA | 7/6/2023 | 8.10 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFPeA | 7/6/2023 | 8.40 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFDA | 7/6/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | 7/6/2023 | <4.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFBA | 7/6/2023 | 6.00 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFNA | 7/6/2023 | <4.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | 7/6/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFNA | 6/26/2023 | <4.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | 6/26/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | 6/26/2023 | <4.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | 6/26/2023 | <20.00 ppt | 20.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | 6/26/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFPeA | 6/26/2023 | 7.40 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFMPA | 6/26/2023 | <4.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | 6/26/2023 | <5.00 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | 6/26/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS | 6/26/2023 | <5.00 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFBA | 6/26/2023 | 6.20 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFHxS | 6/26/2023 | 3.60 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFMBA | 6/26/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFHpA | 6/26/2023 | 4.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
| HFPO-DA | 6/26/2023 | <5.00 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFOS | 6/26/2023 | 23.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFOA | 6/26/2023 | 21.00 ppt | 4.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFDA | 6/26/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFHxA | 6/26/2023 | 6.80 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
| PFUnA | 6/26/2023 | <2.00 ppt | 2.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 6/26/2023 | <5.00 ppt | 5.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | 6/26/2023 | <2.00 ppt | 2.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| ADONA | 6/26/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | 6/26/2023 | <3.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Not Detected |
| PFBS | 6/26/2023 | 14.00 ppt | 3.00 ppt | Detected |
Verify This Water System
The figures above are aggregated from EPA's public databases. To verify the underlying records, or to file a complaint, request a Consumer Confidence Report, or check current monitoring status, go directly to the federal and state regulators that enforce the Safe Drinking Water Act for Oakland Water Dept.
EPA SDWIS, Federal Reports
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) holds the federal compliance record for every regulated public water system. Open the system-level report by PWS ID:
View PWS ID NJ0242001 on SDWISSource: EPA SDWIS Federal Reports Search
New Jersey Drinking Water Authority
NJ DEP, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water is the primacy agency that licenses and inspects Oakland Water Dept under EPA-delegated authority.
Open NJ regulator portalViolation Timeline
Each row links to the EPA SDWIS public record for verification. Cross-reference the contaminant code on EPA's federal report to see violation dates, return-to-compliance status, and enforcement actions.
| Year (latest) | Contaminant | Category | Count | EPA Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | E. COLI | MR | 7 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 3014 |
| 2021 | Chlorine | MR | 8 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 0999 |
| 2017 | 1,1-Dichloroethylene | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2977 |
| 2017 | trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2979 |
| 2017 | 1,2-Dichloroethane | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2980 |
| 2017 | 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2981 |
| 2017 | Carbon tetrachloride | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2982 |
| 2017 | Trichloroethylene | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2984 |
| 2017 | 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2985 |
| 2017 | Tetrachloroethylene | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2987 |
| 2017 | Benzene | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2990 |
| 2017 | Ethylbenzene | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2992 |
| 2017 | Xylenes, Total | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2955 |
| 2017 | DICHLOROMETHANE | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2964 |
| 2017 | o-Dichlorobenzene | MR | 6 | SDWIS / NJ0242001 / 2968 |
How Oakland Water Dept Compares
Cross-reference this system's record against state averages and the federal MCL framework for context.
| Metric | Oakland Water Dept | New Jersey avg | Federal benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total violations | 186 | 59.8 | SDWA compliance, any non-zero count is a recorded breach |
| Health-based violations | 3 | 6.5 | Indicates a contaminant exceeded a federal MCL |
| PFAS detection | 8 compounds | 78.8% | EPA final rule (2024): PFOA/PFOS MCL = 4.0 ppt |
| Population served | 12,754 | 2,792 | Sizing context for compliance burden |
Sources: EPA SDWIS and EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141). State averages computed across 3,428 regulated public water systems in New Jersey.
Federal MCL reference, Safe Drinking Water Act thresholds ▼
| Contaminant | Federal MCL / Action Level | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | 0 mg/L (Action Level: 0.015 mg/L) | Lead and Copper Rule treatment technique |
| Arsenic | 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb) | Health-based MCL since 2006 |
| Total Coliform | Treatment technique (RTCR) | Indicator organism, monitoring trigger |
| PFOA / PFOS (PFAS) | 4.0 ppt each (final 2024 rule) | Compliance deadline 2029 (EPA proposed extending to 2031, not yet final as of May 2026) |
| Nitrate (as N) | 10 mg/L | Acute health risk for infants |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland Water Dept water safe to drink? ▼
How many people does Oakland Water Dept serve? ▼
What type of violations does Oakland Water Dept have? ▼
Has PFAS been detected in Oakland Water Dept water? ▼
What water source does Oakland Water Dept use? ▼
Where does this data come from? ▼
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Every figure on PlainWater is rendered directly from EPA SDWIS drinking-water data, no number is typed in by an editor. This system's figures are rendered directly from EPA SDWIS data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.