Is Montague Twp.-1914, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.9/100
waterverge.com Montague Twp.-1914, NJ — Water Quality Report
Montague Twp.-1914's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,983 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 124 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Montague Twp.-1914's water
Montague Twp.-1914 ranks #34 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Montague Twp.-1914 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, Montague Twp.-1914 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montague Twp.-1914, NJ water safe to drink?
Montague Twp.-1914's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,983 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Montague Twp.-1914
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montague Twp.-1914's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).
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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE, p-Dichlorobenzene.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Montague Twp.-1914's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Montague Twp.-1914's water system has 124 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 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 Shohola Creek Near Walker Lake, Delaware River, Delaware River At Montague.
Where does Montague Twp.-1914's water come from?
Montague Twp.-1914's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,983 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Shohola Creek Near Walker Lake (river), Delaware River (river), Delaware River At Montague (river).
What Montague Twp.-1914 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Montague Twp.-1914'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.
Montague Twp.-1914'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 droughtSussex 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
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Montague Twp.-1914 compares by contaminant
Explore where Montague Twp.-1914 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montague Twp.-1914's water comes from
Montague Twp.-1914'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,983 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Montague Twp.-1914
Montague Twp.-1914 is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Montague Twp.-1914
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTAGUE WATER CO. | NJ1914002 | 1,983 | GW |
How Montague Twp.-1914 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Montague Twp.-1914's score of 87.9/100 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 Montague Twp.-1914, NJ
Wikipedia →Montague Township is a township in Sussex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, in the New York City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 3,792, a decrease of 55 (−1.4%) from the 2010 census count of 3,847, which in turn reflected an increase of 435 (+12.7%) from the 3,412 counted in the 2000 census. High Point, within Montague Township, is the highest elevation within New Jersey at an altitude of 1,803 feet (550 m) above sea level. It is the northernmost town in New Jersey.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montague Twp.-1914's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Montague Twp.-1914, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Montague Twp.-1914's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #34 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Montague Twp.-1914's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 124 violations are on record.
How is Montague Twp.-1914'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 Montague Twp.-1914?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Montague Twp.-1914's water come from?
Montague Twp.-1914's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,983 residents.
Is Montague Twp.-1914's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Montague Twp.-1914 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 124 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 Montague Twp.-1914's water compare to other cities?
Montague Twp.-1914 ranks #34 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 92% of state cities) and #3773 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Montague Twp.-1914's small water system affect quality?
Montague Twp.-1914's system serves approximately 1,983 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 124 violations on record.