Is Byram Twp.-1904, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Byram Twp.-1904, NJ — Water Quality Report
Byram Twp.-1904's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,774 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 995 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved.
What to know about Byram Twp.-1904's water
Byram Twp.-1904 ranks #382 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Byram Twp.-1904 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.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Byram Twp.-1904, NJ water safe to drink?
Byram Twp.-1904's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,774 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Byram Twp.-1904
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Byram Twp.-1904's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Byram Twp.-1904'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
Byram Twp.-1904's water system has 995 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 41 remain unresolved. 30 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 Rockaway River At Berkshire Valley, Lamington (Black) River At Succasunna, East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette, Pequest River At Huntsville, Lake Hopatcong At Landing.
Where does Byram Twp.-1904's water come from?
Byram Twp.-1904's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 3,774 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 Byram Twp.-1904 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Byram Twp.-1904'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.
Byram Twp.-1904'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 Byram Twp.-1904'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Byram Twp.-1904 compares by contaminant
Explore where Byram Twp.-1904 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Byram Twp.-1904's water comes from
Byram Twp.-1904'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,774 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Byram Twp.-1904
Byram Twp.-1904 is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Byram Twp.-1904
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOREST LAKES WATER | NJ1904003 | 1,410 | GW |
| BROOKWOOD MUSCONETCONG RIVER POA | NJ1904001 | 1,087 | GW |
| VEOLIA WATER NEW JERSEY EAST BROOKWOOD | NJ1904002 | 612 | GW |
| AQUA NJ - BYRAM | NJ1904009 | 400 | GW |
| NORTH SHORE WATER ASSOCIATION | NJ1904004 | 105 | GW |
| STRAWBERRY POINT POA | NJ1904006 | 95 | GW |
| COLBY WATER CO | NJ1904007 | 65 | GW |
How Byram Twp.-1904 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Byram Twp.-1904's score of 48/100 is below the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →About Byram Twp.-1904, 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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Byram Twp.-1904's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Byram Twp.-1904, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Byram Twp.-1904's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #382 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Byram Twp.-1904's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 995 violations are on record.
How is Byram Twp.-1904'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 Byram Twp.-1904?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Byram Twp.-1904's water come from?
Byram Twp.-1904's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 3,774 residents.
What health violations has Byram Twp.-1904's water system had?
Byram Twp.-1904 has 29 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 41 violations remain unresolved.
Is Byram Twp.-1904's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Byram Twp.-1904 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 995 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 Byram Twp.-1904's water compare to other cities?
Byram Twp.-1904 ranks #382 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 12% of state cities) and #13519 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.