Is Helmetta Boro-1206, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.1/100
waterverge.com Helmetta Boro-1206, NJ — Water Quality Report
Helmetta Boro-1206's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Helmetta Boro-1206's water
Helmetta Boro-1206 ranks #85 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, Helmetta Boro-1206 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Helmetta Boro-1206, NJ water safe to drink?
Helmetta Boro-1206's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Helmetta Boro-1206
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Helmetta Boro-1206's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.1/100).
Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Helmetta Boro-1206's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Helmetta Boro-1206's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Middlesex 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 Lawrence Brook At Westons Mills, Manalapan Brook At Spotswood, Deep Run At Old Bridge, Del & Rar Canal At Landing La At New Brunswick.
Where does Helmetta Boro-1206's water come from?
Helmetta Boro-1206's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lawrence Brook At Westons Mills (river), Manalapan Brook At Spotswood (river), Deep Run At Old Bridge (river), Del & Rar Canal At Landing La At New Brunswick (stream).
What Helmetta Boro-1206 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Helmetta Boro-1206'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.
Helmetta Boro-1206'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 droughtMiddlesex 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
Middlesex 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Helmetta Boro-1206 compares by contaminant
Explore where Helmetta Boro-1206 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Helmetta Boro-1206's water comes from
Helmetta Boro-1206'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 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Helmetta Boro-1206
Helmetta Boro-1206 is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Helmetta Boro-1206
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HELMETTA WATER DEPT | NJ1206001 | 2,000 | SWP |
How Helmetta Boro-1206 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Helmetta Boro-1206's score of 83.1/100 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 Helmetta Boro-1206, NJ
Wikipedia →Helmetta is a borough in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The borough is located in the heart of the Raritan Valley region, with Manalapan Brook flowing through the center of the community. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 2,455, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 277 (+12.7%) from the 2010 census count of 2,178, which in turn reflected an increase of 353 (+19.3%) from the 1,825 counted in the 2000 census. The community was established around a snuff mill opened in the 1820s that was acquired by George Washington Helme in the 1880s.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Helmetta Boro-1206's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Middlesex
Frequently asked questions
Is Helmetta Boro-1206, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Helmetta Boro-1206's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #85 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Helmetta Boro-1206's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Helmetta Boro-1206'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 Helmetta Boro-1206?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Helmetta Boro-1206's water come from?
Helmetta Boro-1206's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Helmetta Boro-1206's water system had?
Helmetta Boro-1206 has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Helmetta Boro-1206's water compare to other cities?
Helmetta Boro-1206 ranks #85 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 80% of state cities) and #6596 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Helmetta Boro-1206's small water system affect quality?
Helmetta Boro-1206's system serves approximately 2,000 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.