Totowa Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Borough of Totowa Water Department provides water to around 11,000 residents in Passaic County, New Jersey. Your tap water comes from a blend of sources managed by the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) and the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission's Wanaque Water Treatment Plant. The PVWC primarily draws from the Passaic River, while the Wanaque supply originates from the Wanaque Reservoir, which is fed by the Wanaque River and nearby streams. These regional facilities treat the water before it reaches Totowa's local distribution system. For service questions or emergencies, you can reach the department at (973) 956-1000 ext. 1071.

This water originates from the Passaic River watershed and the Wanaque Reservoir basin, areas that span New Jersey's Piedmont physiographic province and transition into the Highlands. Geologically, the Passaic River area features Triassic-Jurassic Brunswick Formation red beds, including sandstones and shales, which release alkaline earth metals as they weather. Around the Wanaque supply, you'll find Precambrian metamorphic rocks like gneiss and granite gneiss, with some minor dolomitic marbles also contributing to the water's mineral content. This is a surface water system, meaning no primary underground aquifers are tapped.

Because the water is moderately hard, you might notice some scale buildup in appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. This can reduce their efficiency over time and potentially increase energy bills. You may also find that laundry detergents aren't as effective, and glassware might show spots after washing. To manage scale, try descaling faucets and showerheads with vinegar regularly, and consider flushing your hot water heater annually. Many households find that installing a water softener helps extend appliance life and improves how well soap lathers, though the minerals in the water are not a health concern and can offer dietary benefits. While official Totowa reports don't detail specific pH or lead levels, a third-party site has noted levels of hexavalent chromium above some health guidelines in the tap water. For the most current information, consult Totowa's annual Consumer Confidence Report or visit totowanj.org/water.