WaterVerge

Is Andover Boro-1901, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

606 residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ1901001
Overall Score
89.4 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#20 of 435 in New Jersey Top 18% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.4/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.4/100

Andover Boro-1901, NJ — Water Quality Report

Andover Boro-1901's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 606 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 21 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Andover Boro-1901's water

Andover Boro-1901 ranks #20 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Andover Boro-1901 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.

As a small community water system, Andover Boro-1901 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.4 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Andover Boro-1901, NJ water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Andover Boro-1901's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 606 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
3.2 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Andover Boro-1901

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Andover Boro-1901's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

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
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Andover Boro-1901's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.2 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Andover Boro-1901's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2023 Chlorine Resolved
Oct 2019 Chlorine Resolved
Oct 2019 Chlorine Resolved
Oct 2019 Chlorine Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Sussex 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 Rockaway River At Berkshire Valley, Lamington (Black) River At Succasunna, East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette, Pequest River At Huntsville, Lake Hopatcong At Landing.

REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4614
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3573
TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA DR-4574

Where does Andover Boro-1901's water come from?

Andover Boro-1901's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 606 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rockaway River At Berkshire Valley (river), Lamington (Black) River At Succasunna (river), East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette (river), Pequest River At Huntsville (river), Lake Hopatcong At Landing (lake).

What Andover Boro-1901 residents can do

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Andover Boro-1901'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
3.2 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 21% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

21
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

21 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
19 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Arsenic Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Nitrate Rule
1
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2023 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2023
Oct 2019 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Oct 2019 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Oct 2019 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jun 1988 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1991
Jun 1988 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1991
Jun 1988 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1991
Jun 1988 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1991
Jun 1988 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1991
Jun 1988 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1991
Jun 1988 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1991
Jun 1988 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1991
Jun 1979 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Jun 1979 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1982
Showing 20 of 21 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Sussex 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.

13.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Sussex 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
Dec 2020
TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA #4574
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4086
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3354
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4021

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.2 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 10.8 ppb from 1993 (14.0 ppb) to 2023 (3.2 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Andover Boro-1901 compares by contaminant

Explore where Andover Boro-1901 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
606
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Andover Boro-1901's water comes from

Groundwater

Andover Boro-1901'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 606 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Andover Boro-1901

Andover Boro-1901 is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Rockaway River At Berkshire Valley
river
Lamington (Black) River At Succasunna
river
East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette
river
Pequest River At Huntsville
river
Lake Hopatcong At Landing
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Andover Boro-1901

System Name PWSID Population Source
ANDOVER BORO WATER DEPT NJ1901001 606 GW
Regional Comparison

How Andover Boro-1901 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Andover Boro-1901's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Andover Boro-1901 (this city)
89.4
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

About Andover Boro-1901, NJ

Wikipedia →

Andover is a borough in Sussex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 595, a decrease of 11 (−1.8%) from the 2010 census count of 606, which in turn reflected a decline of 52 (−7.9%) from the 658 counted in the 2000 census.

Economic Profile
$111,458
Median Income
$364,210
Median Home Value
$1,500/mo
Median Rent
5%
Unemployment
Community
51.8
Median Age
116
People / sq mi
45.1%
College Educated
91.4%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Andover Boro-1901, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Andover Boro-1901's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #20 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Andover Boro-1901's water?

Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.

How is Andover Boro-1901'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 Andover Boro-1901?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Andover Boro-1901's water come from?

Andover Boro-1901's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 606 residents.

Is Andover Boro-1901's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Andover Boro-1901 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 21 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 Andover Boro-1901's water compare to other cities?

Andover Boro-1901 ranks #20 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 95% of state cities) and #2870 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Andover Boro-1901's small water system affect quality?

Andover Boro-1901's system serves approximately 606 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 21 violations on record.