Is Califon Boro-1004, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.6/100
waterverge.com Califon Boro-1004, NJ — Water Quality Report
Califon Boro-1004's drinking water received a grade of B (78.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 936 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Califon Boro-1004's water
Califon Boro-1004 ranks #167 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Califon Boro-1004 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, Califon Boro-1004 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Califon Boro-1004, NJ water safe to drink?
Califon Boro-1004's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 936 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Califon Boro-1004
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Califon Boro-1004's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.6/100).
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 Califon Boro-1004's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Califon Boro-1004's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Somerset County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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 Sb Raritan R At Black Point Rd At Neshanic Sta, South Branch Raritan River At South Branch, Holland Brook At Readington, Middle Brook At Burnt Mills, Lamington River At Burnt Mills.
Where does Califon Boro-1004's water come from?
Califon Boro-1004's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 936 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sb Raritan R At Black Point Rd At Neshanic Sta (river), South Branch Raritan River At South Branch (river), Holland Brook At Readington (river), Middle Brook At Burnt Mills (river), Lamington River At Burnt Mills (river).
What Califon Boro-1004 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Califon Boro-1004'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.
Califon Boro-1004'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 droughtHunterdon 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
Somerset County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Califon Boro-1004 compares by contaminant
Explore where Califon Boro-1004 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Califon Boro-1004's water comes from
Califon Boro-1004'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 936 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Califon Boro-1004
Califon Boro-1004 is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Califon Boro-1004
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQUA NJ - CALIFON | NJ1004001 | 936 | GW |
How Califon Boro-1004 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Califon Boro-1004's score of 78.6/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Califon Boro-1004's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hunterdon
Frequently asked questions
Is Califon Boro-1004, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Califon Boro-1004's water quality earned a grade of B (78.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #167 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Califon Boro-1004's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Califon Boro-1004'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 Califon Boro-1004?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Califon Boro-1004's water come from?
Califon Boro-1004's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 936 residents.
Is Califon Boro-1004's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Califon Boro-1004 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 16 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 Califon Boro-1004's water compare to other cities?
Califon Boro-1004 ranks #167 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 62% of state cities) and #8612 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Califon Boro-1004's small water system affect quality?
Califon Boro-1004's system serves approximately 936 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 16 violations on record.