01The verdict: is Alpha Boro-2102 water safe?
Alpha Boro-2102's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,530 residents using groundwater (wells).
Copper is over its legal limit
Measured at 2.63 mg/L against the EPA Action Level of 1.3 mg/L. The ledger below shows how far over — and which filter removes it.
See the measurement ↓Monitoring is on schedule
The system is meeting its EPA monitoring and reporting requirements — testing is happening when it should.
See the score ↓Lead is approaching its limit
Measured at 12.0 ppb — 80% of the 15 ppb limit. Within the rules, but with less headroom than you'd want.
See the ledger ↓Alpha Boro-2102's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,530 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program. The system has 341 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
Alpha Boro-2102 ranks #340 out of 426 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state. Alpha Boro-2102 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. While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection. As a small community water system, Alpha Boro-2102 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities. The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
02What's in Alpha Boro-2102's water
Every contaminant flagged in Alpha Boro-2102, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
Over Limit — EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L
Exceeds the EPA action level. Copper leaches from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking, and consider a certified filter.Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.63 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in New Jersey
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in New Jersey
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Alpha Boro-2102's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 341 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
3 of the last ten years were clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▲ Up 2.6 ppb since 1993. Latest reading: 12 ppb (2025) — 80% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
▲ Up 1.2 mg/L since 1997. The latest reading (2.6 mg/L, 2007) is over the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Alpha Boro-2102's water comes from
Alpha Boro-2102's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater
Underground aquifers reached by wells — naturally filtered, but can carry minerals like arsenic and nitrate.
Local treatment
Groundwater generally needs less treatment — typically disinfection and, where needed, mineral removal.
1 system
1 water system, operated under local government ownership.
2,530 people
Residents served across Alpha Boro-2102's service area.
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 2,530 people through 1 water system.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALPHA MUNICIPAL WATER WORKS | NJ2102001 | 2,530 | Groundwater |
Water bodies near Alpha Boro-2102
These water bodies shape the regional watershed and can indirectly affect groundwater quality.
05Pressure on Alpha Boro-2102's watershed
Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.
Flood & storm history
9 federal disaster declarations on record for Warren County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.
Drought
Warren County is in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of Jul 2026). Drought can raise disinfection-byproduct levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
06How Alpha Boro-2102 compares
Scores for nearby New Jersey cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = New Jersey average (72/100)
Alpha Boro-2102 scores 58.4/100 — below the New Jersey average of 72/100. Full New Jersey rankings →
72.3 / 100BBergenfield Boro-0203, NJ
72.3 / 100BBogota Boro-0204, NJ
72.3 / 100BCarlstadt Boro-0205, NJ
72.3 / 100BCliffside Park Boro-0206, NJ
72.3 / 100BCloster Boro-0207, NJ
72.3 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
07What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Alpha Boro-2102's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
NSF-certified water filter. Lead detected at 12.0 ppb
Compare tested filters →Flush taps & check your service line
Lead leaches from pipes as water sits. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking (especially mornings), and ask the utility whether your address still has a lead service line.
Lead risks explained →Watch for Alpha Boro-2102 alerts
This area has a history of flood declarations — after severe weather, watch for boil-water advisories from the utility, and check the live alerts on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Alpha Boro-2102, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Alpha Boro-2102's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #340 out of 426 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Alpha Boro-2102's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 341 violations are on record.
How is Alpha Boro-2102'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 Alpha Boro-2102?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alpha Boro-2102's water come from?
Alpha Boro-2102's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,530 residents.
What health violations has Alpha Boro-2102's water system had?
Alpha Boro-2102 has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alpha Boro-2102's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alpha Boro-2102 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 341 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 Alpha Boro-2102's water compare to other cities?
Alpha Boro-2102 ranks #340 out of 426 cities in New Jersey (better than 20% of state cities) and #12073 out of 15382 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alpha Boro-2102's small water system affect quality?
Alpha Boro-2102's system serves approximately 2,530 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 341 violations on record.