Is Glen Gardner Boro-1012, 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 ↓
53.6/100
waterverge.com Glen Gardner Boro-1012, NJ — Water Quality Report
Glen Gardner Boro-1012's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,705 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 59 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water
Glen Gardner Boro-1012 ranks #361 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Glen Gardner Boro-1012 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, Glen Gardner Boro-1012 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 51 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glen Gardner Boro-1012, NJ water safe to drink?
Glen Gardner Boro-1012's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,705 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Glen Gardner Boro-1012
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Xylenes, Total, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
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 Glen Gardner Boro-1012'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
Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 51 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hunterdon County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 South Branch Raritan River Near High Bridge, Spruce Run At Main Street At Glen Gardner, Mulhockaway Creek At Van Syckel, Spruce Run Reservoir At Clinton, Spruce Run At Clinton.
Where does Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water come from?
Glen Gardner Boro-1012's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,705 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Raritan River Near High Bridge (river), Spruce Run At Main Street At Glen Gardner (river), Mulhockaway Creek At Van Syckel (river), Spruce Run Reservoir At Clinton (lake), Spruce Run At Clinton (river).
What Glen Gardner Boro-1012 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glen Gardner Boro-1012'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.
Glen Gardner Boro-1012'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
Hunterdon County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Glen Gardner Boro-1012'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. | 1.5 | 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. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.600 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Glen Gardner Boro-1012 compares by contaminant
Explore where Glen Gardner Boro-1012 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water comes from
Glen Gardner Boro-1012'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 1,705 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Glen Gardner Boro-1012
Glen Gardner Boro-1012 is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Glen Gardner Boro-1012
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLEN GARDNER W DEPT | NJ1012001 | 1,705 | GW |
How Glen Gardner Boro-1012 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Glen Gardner Boro-1012's score of 53.6/100 is below the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →About Glen Gardner Boro-1012, NJ
Wikipedia →Glen Gardner is a borough in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 1,682, a decrease of 22 (−1.3%) from the 2010 census count of 1,704, which in turn reflected a decline of 198 (−10.4%) from the 1,902 counted in the 2000 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hunterdon
Frequently asked questions
Is Glen Gardner Boro-1012, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #361 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Glen Gardner Boro-1012'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 Glen Gardner Boro-1012?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water come from?
Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,705 residents.
What health violations has Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water system had?
Glen Gardner Boro-1012 has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Glen Gardner Boro-1012's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Glen Gardner Boro-1012 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 59 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 Glen Gardner Boro-1012's water compare to other cities?
Glen Gardner Boro-1012 ranks #361 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 17% of state cities) and #12670 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Glen Gardner Boro-1012's small water system affect quality?
Glen Gardner Boro-1012's system serves approximately 1,705 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 59 violations on record.