WaterVerge

Is Allentown Boro-1302, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ1302001
Overall Score
89.2 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#26 of 435 in New Jersey Top 19% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.2/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.2/100

Allentown Boro-1302, NJ — Water Quality Report

Allentown Boro-1302's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 13 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Allentown Boro-1302's water

Allentown Boro-1302 ranks #26 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Allentown Boro-1302 relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

As a small community water system, Allentown Boro-1302 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.2 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
16.2/20
B
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Allentown Boro-1302, NJ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Allentown Boro-1302's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Allentown Boro-1302

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Allentown Boro-1302's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4614). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Allentown Boro-1302's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 12.2000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Allentown Boro-1302's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

RPTMROther
Most recent violations:
Dec 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Jan 2019 Chlorine Resolved
Jul 2018 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Sep 2007 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2000 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Mercer County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Stony Brook At Princeton, Delaware And Raritan Canal At Port Mercer, Assunpink Creek Near Clarksville, Assunpink Creek Below Stp Near Mercerville, Assunpink Creek At Trenton.

REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4614
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3573
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4086

Where does Allentown Boro-1302's water come from?

Allentown Boro-1302's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Stony Brook At Princeton (river), Delaware And Raritan Canal At Port Mercer (stream), Assunpink Creek Near Clarksville (river), Assunpink Creek Below Stp Near Mercerville (river), Assunpink Creek At Trenton (river).

What Allentown Boro-1302 residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Allentown Boro-1302's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Monitor alerts during storms

Allentown Boro-1302's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
12.2000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
12.2 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 20% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

13
Total violations
0
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Dec 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

13 Total
3 Active
0 Health-based
10 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Dec 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2019 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2019
Sep 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2007
Jan 2000 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Jun 1979 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Monmouth County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

6.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2021
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Mercer County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #4614
Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #3573
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4086
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3354
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4021
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #3332

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Allentown Boro-1302's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 12.200 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Allentown Boro-1302 compares by contaminant

Explore where Allentown Boro-1302 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,000
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Allentown Boro-1302's water comes from

Groundwater

Allentown Boro-1302's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,000 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Allentown Boro-1302

Allentown Boro-1302 is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Stony Brook At Princeton
river
Delaware And Raritan Canal At Port Mercer
stream
Assunpink Creek Near Clarksville
river
Assunpink Creek Below Stp Near Mercerville
river
Assunpink Creek At Trenton
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Allentown Boro-1302

System Name PWSID Population Source
ALLENTOWN WATER DEPT NJ1302001 2,000 GW
Regional Comparison

How Allentown Boro-1302 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Allentown Boro-1302's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Allentown Boro-1302 (this city)
89.2
New Jersey avg
63
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Frequently asked questions

Is Allentown Boro-1302, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Allentown Boro-1302's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #26 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Allentown Boro-1302's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 13 violations are on record.

How is Allentown Boro-1302's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Allentown Boro-1302?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Allentown Boro-1302's water come from?

Allentown Boro-1302's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.

Is Allentown Boro-1302's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Allentown Boro-1302 uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 13 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Allentown Boro-1302's water compare to other cities?

Allentown Boro-1302 ranks #26 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 94% of state cities) and #2974 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Allentown Boro-1302's small water system affect quality?

Allentown Boro-1302's system serves approximately 2,000 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 13 violations on record.