Is Newark, CA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, Newark tap water is safe to drink. Hardness is low at 90 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here don't need treatment.
Hardness Scale: Where Newark Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Newark Compares
Newark's water is 35% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 58% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within California, it ranks #76 of 87 cities (50% below the state average of 180 PPM). Among large cities (200k-500k), Newark ranks #95 of 165 for hardness.
What Newark's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 90 PPM - Low Concern
Newark's water is moderately hard at 90 PPM. You'll see some spotting on glassware and a film on shower doors over time, but it's not the kind of hardness that demands a full softener. A salt-free conditioner is worth considering if you have a tankless water heater or high-end fixtures.
Contaminants & Safety
Lead levels deserve attention. At 5.3 ppb, Newark is above the ideal of zero, though below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (dropping to 10 ppb in November 2027 under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements). The lead typically comes from aging service lines or interior plumbing, not the treatment plant. A point-of-use filter certified for lead at the kitchen faucet is a practical safeguard, especially in older homes.
What's in the Treatment Process
Newark's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 41.3 ppb (52% of the legal limit, but 276x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 27.3 ppb (46% of the legal limit, but 273x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts.
Chromium-6 was detected at 0.136 ppb, which is 6.8x the EWG health guideline. There's no separate federal limit for chromium-6, only total chromium. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective removal method. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 90 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 155 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 0 ppt | — | No total limit | ✓ ND |
| ↳ PFOA | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| ↳ PFOS | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 5.3 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ⚠ Elevated |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.2 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 0.328 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Recommendations for Newark Homes
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.2 mg/L chlorine, many Newark residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in Newark
Lead enters water from your home's plumbing, not the treatment plant — so Newark's city-wide average of 5.3 ppb may not match your tap. Testing your specific faucet is the only way to know. Run cold water for 30 seconds before collecting a sample.
Free option: Request Alameda County Water District's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About Newark's Water Supply
Water Utility: Alameda County Water District
Water Source: Hetch Hetchy + local wells (Surface Water)
Population Served: 344,000
Hardness: 90 PPM (5.3 grains per gallon)
Newark's drinking water comes from surface sources — Hetch Hetchy + local wells. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 344,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request Alameda County Water District's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by Alameda County Water District in Newark, CA, including ZIP codes:
94560
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Newark to Other California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Newark Water
Is Newark tap water safe to drink?
Where does Newark's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Newark?
What water filter is best for Newark?
What is the hardness of Newark water in grains per gallon?
Is Newark water safe for babies and infants?
What are disinfection byproducts in Newark's water?
Is chromium-6 in Newark's water?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Newark Homeowners Actually Buy
Common purchases for homes with 90 PPM water.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Newark's water data.