Is Branchville Boro-1903, 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 ↓
69.6/100
waterverge.com Branchville Boro-1903, NJ — Water Quality Report
Branchville Boro-1903's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 94 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Branchville Boro-1903's water
Branchville Boro-1903 ranks #285 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Branchville Boro-1903 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, Branchville Boro-1903 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Branchville Boro-1903, NJ water safe to drink?
Branchville Boro-1903's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Branchville Boro-1903
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Branchville Boro-1903's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. 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 Branchville Boro-1903's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Branchville Boro-1903's water system has 94 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette.
Where does Branchville Boro-1903's water come from?
Branchville Boro-1903's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette (river).
What Branchville Boro-1903 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Branchville Boro-1903'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.
Branchville Boro-1903'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 droughtSussex 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Branchville Boro-1903'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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.58 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Branchville Boro-1903 compares by contaminant
Explore where Branchville Boro-1903 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Branchville Boro-1903's water comes from
Branchville Boro-1903'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Branchville Boro-1903
Branchville Boro-1903 is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Branchville Boro-1903
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRANCHVILLE W DEPT | NJ1903001 | 1,500 | GW |
How Branchville Boro-1903 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Branchville Boro-1903's score of 69.6/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →About Branchville Boro-1903, NJ
Wikipedia →Branchville 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 791, a decrease of 50 (−5.9%) from the 2010 census count of 841, which in turn reflected a decline of 4 (−0.5%) from the 845 counted in the 2000 census. The borough is located in the northernmost region of Sussex County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Branchville Boro-1903's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Branchville Boro-1903, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Branchville Boro-1903's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #285 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Branchville Boro-1903's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 94 violations are on record.
How is Branchville Boro-1903'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 Branchville Boro-1903?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Branchville Boro-1903's water come from?
Branchville Boro-1903's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Branchville Boro-1903's water system had?
Branchville Boro-1903 has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Branchville Boro-1903's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Branchville Boro-1903 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 94 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 Branchville Boro-1903's water compare to other cities?
Branchville Boro-1903 ranks #285 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 34% of state cities) and #10891 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Branchville Boro-1903's small water system affect quality?
Branchville Boro-1903's system serves approximately 1,500 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 94 violations on record.