Is Downe Twp.-0604, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Downe Twp.-0604, NJ — Water Quality Report
Downe Twp.-0604's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 771 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 41 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Downe Twp.-0604's water
Downe Twp.-0604 ranks #29 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Downe Twp.-0604 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, Downe Twp.-0604 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Downe Twp.-0604, NJ water safe to drink?
Downe Twp.-0604's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 771 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Downe Twp.-0604
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Downe Twp.-0604's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
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.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Downe Twp.-0604's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Downe Twp.-0604's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cumberland 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.
Where does Downe Twp.-0604's water come from?
Downe Twp.-0604's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 771 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Downe Twp.-0604 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Downe Twp.-0604'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.
Downe Twp.-0604'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
D2 — severe droughtCumberland County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Cumberland 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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Downe Twp.-0604 compares by contaminant
Explore where Downe Twp.-0604 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Downe Twp.-0604's water comes from
Downe Twp.-0604'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 771 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Downe Twp.-0604
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAYVIEW WATER SYSTEM | NJ0604001 | 771 | GW |
How Downe Twp.-0604 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Downe Twp.-0604's score of 88.9/100 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 →About Downe Twp.-0604, NJ
Wikipedia →Fortescue is a community and census-designated place (CDP) in Downe Township, Cumberland County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The community is located on the state's southern coast, on the Delaware Bay, surrounded on three sides by marshland. The area was named for John Fortescue, a local property owner at the time of American independence. As of the 2020 United States census, the CDP's population was 189.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Downe Twp.-0604's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cumberland
Frequently asked questions
Is Downe Twp.-0604, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Downe Twp.-0604's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Downe Twp.-0604's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Downe Twp.-0604'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 Downe Twp.-0604?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Downe Twp.-0604's water come from?
Downe Twp.-0604's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 771 residents.
Is Downe Twp.-0604's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Downe Twp.-0604 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 41 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 Downe Twp.-0604's water compare to other cities?
Downe Twp.-0604 ranks #29 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 93% of state cities) and #3191 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Downe Twp.-0604's small water system affect quality?
Downe Twp.-0604's system serves approximately 771 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 41 violations on record.