Also detected, no federal limit: PFBS, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFBA, PFHpA.
Is there PFAS in Oakland Water Dept water?
Yes. EPA's final UCMR 5 results show Oakland Water Dept averaged 23.0 ppt of PFOS at its worst sampling point, 5.8 times the EPA limit of 4 ppt.
Oakland Water Dept is a public water system drawing on groundwater, based in Oakland, New Jersey, serving about 12,754 people, including Franklin Lakes, Oakland, Pompton Lakes, Wayne. Under EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule it was tested for 29 PFAS and lithium 7 times across 4 sampling points between Apr 2023 and Mar 2024.
Every PFAS detected
| PFAS | Detected | Highest | Worst point avg | EPA limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid |
6 of 7 | 23.0 ppt | 23.0 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid |
6 of 7 | 22.0 ppt | 21.0 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFBS Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid |
5 of 7 | 15.0 ppt | 14.0 ppt | none |
| PFPeA Perfluoropentanoic acid |
4 of 7 | 8.4 ppt | 7.4 ppt | none |
| PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid |
4 of 7 | 8.1 ppt | 6.8 ppt | none |
| PFBA Perfluorobutanoic acid |
2 of 7 | 6.2 ppt | 6.2 ppt | none |
| PFHpA Perfluoroheptanoic acid |
3 of 7 | 4.6 ppt | 4.0 ppt | none |
| PFHxS Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid |
4 of 7 | 4.0 ppt | 3.6 ppt | 10 ppt |
Not detected: PFNA, PFDA, PFDoA, NMeFOSAA, NEtFOSAA, PFTrDA, PFTA, 4:2 FTS, ADONA, PFUnA, 6:2 FTS, 9Cl-PF3ONS, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, HFPO-DA, NFDHA, PFHpS, PFPeS, 8:2 FTS, PFEESA, PFMBA, PFMPA.
Lithium, tested in the same program: not detected.
What the EPA limits mean here
In April 2024 EPA set enforceable limits of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, 10 ppt each for PFHxS, PFNA and GenX, and a hazard index of 1 for mixtures. Utilities were given until 2029 to comply. In May 2026 EPA proposed keeping only the PFOA and PFOS limits and moving that deadline to 2031. Until that proposal is final, the 2024 limits stand.
Compliance is judged on a running annual average at each entry point, so we show the average at this system's worst sampling point next to its single highest result. UCMR 5 results do not by themselves put a utility in or out of compliance.
What you can do at home
Two routes work for PFAS. For drinking and cooking water only, a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI 58 with a PFOA/PFOS reduction claim is the cheapest proven option. To treat every tap and shower, a whole-house carbon system with enough contact time works, but check that the maker has PFAS test data, not just a marketing claim. See the best filters for PFAS and how PFAS removal works.
Other systems in New Jersey
- Jbmdl-dix Main System none detected
- Cedar Grove Water Dept 3 PFAS detected
- Mantua Township Mua 4 PFAS detected
- Red Bank Water Dept above an EPA limit
- Berlin Water Department 5 PFAS detected
- Clinton W Dept above an EPA limit
All 266 tested systems in New Jersey
ZIP codes served
07417 07436 07442 07470
As reported by the utility to EPA. Neighbouring ZIPs are often split between systems; your water bill names yours.
Cite this page
Well & Tap. "PFAS in Oakland Water Dept water: EPA UCMR 5 results." Data: U.S. EPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, final release August 2026, PWSID NJ0242001. https://wellandtap.com/pfas/new-jersey/oakland-water-dept/
About this data
Source: U.S. EPA, UCMR 5 occurrence data, final release August 2026 (PWSID NJ0242001). Population: EPA SDWIS. Averages count results below the reporting level as zero, the same convention EPA uses for running annual averages. Full method.