June 14, 2026

Cedar Knolls, NJ Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 22 regulated contaminants in this water system: Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic acids (HAA5), Lead + 19 more.

Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.

Full contaminant breakdown

EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 54.7 ppb 110 ppb 80 ppb 68%
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 26.7 ppb 70 ppb 60 ppb 44%
LeadEPA health goal: zero 6.4 ppb 283 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 43%
Radium (combined)EPA health goal: zero 1.1 pCi/L 1.1 pCi/L 5 pCi/L 22%
Copper 280 ppb 2180 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 22%
Nitrate 1400 ppb 5500 ppb 10000 ppb 14%
Nitrate + nitrite 1390 ppb 5500 ppb 10000 ppb 14%
Gross alpha radioactivityEPA health goal: zero 1.88 pCi/L 1.88 pCi/L 15 pCi/L 13%
1,2-DichloroethaneEPA health goal: zero 0.55 ppb 0.6 ppb 5 ppb 11%
ArsenicEPA health goal: zero 1.12 ppb 1.4 ppb 10 ppb 11%
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)EPA health goal: zero 0.551 ppb 0.69 ppb 5 ppb 11%
Trichloroethylene (TCE)EPA health goal: zero 0.56 ppb 0.56 ppb 5 ppb 11%
UraniumEPA health goal: zero 2.29 ppb 3.98 ppb 30 ppb 8%
Mercury (inorganic) 0.15 ppb 0.2 ppb 2 ppb 8%
Fluoride 152 ppb 230 ppb 4000 ppb 4%
Selenium 2.05 ppb 2.1 ppb 50 ppb 4%
Barium 54.6 ppb 530 ppb 2000 ppb 3%
Nitrite 30 ppb 30 ppb 1000 ppb 3%
Chromium (total) 2.5 ppb 12 ppb 100 ppb 2%
DEHP (phthalate)EPA health goal: zero 0.0933 ppb 0.13 ppb 6 ppb 2%
Chlorobenzene 0.6 ppb 0.6 ppb 100 ppb 1%
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene 0.95 ppb 1 ppb 70 ppb 1%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Antimony, Asbestos, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbon tetrachloride, Cyanide, DBCP, DEHA (adipate), Dichloromethane, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Simazine, Styrene, Thallium, Toluene, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Reverse osmosis (drinking water)

The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.

Shop reverse osmosis →

Whole-house carbon filtration

The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.

Shop whole-house systems →

Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.

Water Utility: Southeast Morris County Mua
Population Served: 62,349 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

Cedar Knolls, New Jersey drinking water is supplied by Southeast Morris County Mua. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Health-Based Violation History

The following contaminants exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at this utility since 2010:

Contaminant Violation Years Filter Solution
Tthm 2018 Water Filters

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.

PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections

PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.

PFAS Compound Level Detected Solution
PFOA 0.0047 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFOS 0.0054 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFPeA 0.0043 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFHxA 0.0034 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFBS 0.0038 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFHxS 0.0068 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFBA 0.0072 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFHpA 0.0031 ug/L PFAS Filters

Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.

Should You Filter Your Cedar Knolls Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your Cedar Knolls Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems certified to reduce PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS. We ship to all New Jersey addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop PFAS Water Filters →Take the Water Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cedar Knolls tap water safe to drink?

Southeast Morris County Mua is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does Cedar Knolls water have PFAS?

PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.

What water filter works best for Cedar Knolls?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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