Is Essex Fells Boro-0706, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Essex Fells Boro-0706, NJ — Water Quality Report
Essex Fells Boro-0706's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 61 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Essex Fells Boro-0706's water
Essex Fells Boro-0706 ranks #88 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Essex Fells Boro-0706 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Essex Fells Boro-0706, NJ water safe to drink?
Essex Fells Boro-0706's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Essex Fells Boro-0706
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Essex Fells Boro-0706's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Essex Fells Boro-0706's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Essex Fells Boro-0706's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Morris County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Passaic River Near Millington, Passaic River Near Chatham, Canoe Brook Near Summit, Rockaway River At Warren Street At Dover, Boonton Reservoir At Boonton.
Where does Essex Fells Boro-0706's water come from?
Essex Fells Boro-0706's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Passaic River Near Millington (river), Passaic River Near Chatham (river), Canoe Brook Near Summit (river), Rockaway River At Warren Street At Dover (river), Boonton Reservoir At Boonton (lake).
What Essex Fells Boro-0706 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Essex Fells Boro-0706'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.
Essex Fells Boro-0706'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 droughtEssex 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
Morris County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Essex Fells Boro-0706 compares by contaminant
Explore where Essex Fells Boro-0706 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Essex Fells Boro-0706's water comes from
Essex Fells Boro-0706's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Essex Fells Boro-0706
Essex Fells Boro-0706 is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Essex Fells Boro-0706
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESSEX FELLS WATER DEPT | NJ0706001 | 2,200 | SWP |
How Essex Fells Boro-0706 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Essex Fells Boro-0706's score of 82.8/100 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 Essex Fells Boro-0706, NJ
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Essex Fells Boro-0706's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Essex
Frequently asked questions
Is Essex Fells Boro-0706, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Essex Fells Boro-0706's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #88 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Essex Fells Boro-0706's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Essex Fells Boro-0706'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 Essex Fells Boro-0706?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Essex Fells Boro-0706's water come from?
Essex Fells Boro-0706's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 residents.
What health violations has Essex Fells Boro-0706's water system had?
Essex Fells Boro-0706 has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Essex Fells Boro-0706's water compare to other cities?
Essex Fells Boro-0706 ranks #88 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 80% of state cities) and #6760 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Essex Fells Boro-0706's small water system affect quality?
Essex Fells Boro-0706's system serves approximately 2,200 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 61 violations on record.