Is Alpha Boro-2102, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
58.4/100
waterverge.com Alpha Boro-2102, NJ — Water Quality Report
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.
What to know about Alpha Boro-2102's water
Alpha Boro-2102 ranks #346 out of 435 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alpha Boro-2102, NJ water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Alpha Boro-2102
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alpha Boro-2102's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4614). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alpha Boro-2102's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Alpha Boro-2102's water system has 341 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Warren County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Bushkill Creek Ab Rt 33 Bridge At Tatamy, Bushkill Creek Bl Sr2017 Bridge At Tatamy, Delaware River At Us Route 22 At Phillipsburg, Lehigh River At Glendon, Pohatcong Crk At Creek Rd Nr Carpentersville.
Where does Alpha Boro-2102's water come from?
Alpha Boro-2102's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,530 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bushkill Creek Ab Rt 33 Bridge At Tatamy (river), Bushkill Creek Bl Sr2017 Bridge At Tatamy (river), Delaware River At Us Route 22 At Phillipsburg (river), Lehigh River At Glendon (river), Pohatcong Crk At Creek Rd Nr Carpentersville (river).
What Alpha Boro-2102 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alpha Boro-2102's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Alpha Boro-2102'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWarren 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Warren County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Alpha Boro-2102's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alpha Boro-2102 compares by contaminant
Explore where Alpha Boro-2102 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alpha Boro-2102's water comes from
Alpha Boro-2102'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 2,530 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Alpha Boro-2102
Alpha Boro-2102 is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alpha Boro-2102
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALPHA MUNICIPAL WATER WORKS | NJ2102001 | 2,530 | GW |
How Alpha Boro-2102 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Alpha Boro-2102's score of 58.4/100 is on par with the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →About Alpha Boro-2102, NJ
Wikipedia →Alpha is a borough in Warren County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 2,328, a decrease of 41 (−1.7%) from the 2010 census count of 2,369, which in turn reflected a decline of 113 (−4.6%) from the 2,482 counted in the 2000 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alpha Boro-2102's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Warren
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 #346 out of 435 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 #346 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 20% of state cities) and #12284 out of 15744 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.