Is Elmer Boro-1702, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.7/100
waterverge.com Elmer Boro-1702, NJ — Water Quality Report
Elmer Boro-1702's drinking water received a grade of A (93.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,385 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 18 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Elmer Boro-1702's water
Elmer Boro-1702 ranks #2 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Elmer Boro-1702 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, Elmer Boro-1702 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elmer Boro-1702, NJ water safe to drink?
Elmer Boro-1702's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,385 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elmer Boro-1702
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elmer Boro-1702's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.7/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elmer Boro-1702's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elmer Boro-1702's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
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, Pequest River At Huntsville, Lake Hopatcong At Landing, Musconetcong River At Outlet Of Lake Hopatcong.
Where does Elmer Boro-1702's water come from?
Elmer Boro-1702's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,385 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), Pequest River At Huntsville (river), Lake Hopatcong At Landing (lake), Musconetcong River At Outlet Of Lake Hopatcong (river).
What Elmer Boro-1702 residents can do
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.
Elmer Boro-1702'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 droughtSalem 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
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.
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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elmer Boro-1702 compares by contaminant
Explore where Elmer Boro-1702 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elmer Boro-1702's water comes from
Elmer Boro-1702'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 1,385 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elmer Boro-1702
Elmer Boro-1702 is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elmer Boro-1702
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELMER BORO W DEPT | NJ1702001 | 1,385 | GW |
How Elmer Boro-1702 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Elmer Boro-1702's score of 93.7/100 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 Elmer Boro-1702, NJ
Wikipedia →Newton, officially the Town of Newton, is an incorporated municipality in and the county seat of Sussex County in the U.S. state of New Jersey, situated approximately 60 miles (97 km) northwest of New York City. As of the 2020 United States census, the town's population was 8,374, its highest decennial population ever, an increase of 377 (+4.7%) from the 2010 census count of 7,997, which in turn reflected a decrease of 247 (−3.0%) from the 8,244 counted in the 2000 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elmer Boro-1702's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Salem
Frequently asked questions
Is Elmer Boro-1702, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Elmer Boro-1702's water quality earned a grade of A (93.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #2 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Elmer Boro-1702's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Elmer Boro-1702'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 Elmer Boro-1702?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elmer Boro-1702's water come from?
Elmer Boro-1702's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,385 residents.
What health violations has Elmer Boro-1702's water system had?
Elmer Boro-1702 has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Elmer Boro-1702's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elmer Boro-1702 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 18 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 Elmer Boro-1702's water compare to other cities?
Elmer Boro-1702 ranks #2 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 100% of state cities) and #757 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elmer Boro-1702's small water system affect quality?
Elmer Boro-1702's system serves approximately 1,385 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 18 violations on record.