Is Island Heights Boro-1510, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75/100
waterverge.com Island Heights Boro-1510, NJ — Water Quality Report
Island Heights Boro-1510's drinking water received a grade of B (75 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,750 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 24 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Island Heights Boro-1510's water
Island Heights Boro-1510 ranks #196 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Island Heights Boro-1510 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, Island Heights Boro-1510 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Island Heights Boro-1510, NJ water safe to drink?
Island Heights Boro-1510's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Island Heights Boro-1510
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Island Heights Boro-1510's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Island Heights Boro-1510's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Island Heights Boro-1510's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Island Heights Boro-1510's water come from?
Island Heights Boro-1510's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Island Heights Boro-1510 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Island Heights Boro-1510'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.
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 droughtOcean 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.
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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Island Heights Boro-1510 compares by contaminant
Explore where Island Heights Boro-1510 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Island Heights Boro-1510's water comes from
Island Heights Boro-1510'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 1,750 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Island Heights Boro-1510
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISLAND HEIGHTS WATER DEP | NJ1510001 | 1,750 | GW |
How Island Heights Boro-1510 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Island Heights Boro-1510's score of 75/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Island Heights Boro-1510's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ocean
Frequently asked questions
Is Island Heights Boro-1510, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Island Heights Boro-1510's water quality earned a grade of B (75/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #196 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Island Heights Boro-1510's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Island Heights Boro-1510'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 Island Heights Boro-1510?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Island Heights Boro-1510's water come from?
Island Heights Boro-1510's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,750 residents.
What health violations has Island Heights Boro-1510's water system had?
Island Heights Boro-1510 has 2 health-based violations 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. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Island Heights Boro-1510's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Island Heights Boro-1510 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 24 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 Island Heights Boro-1510's water compare to other cities?
Island Heights Boro-1510 ranks #196 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 55% of state cities) and #9699 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Island Heights Boro-1510's small water system affect quality?
Island Heights Boro-1510's system serves approximately 1,750 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 24 violations on record.