WaterVerge

Is Pequannock Twp.-1431, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

15K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: NJ1431001
Overall Score
60.8 / 100
Violations
18 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#333 of 435 in New Jersey Top 77% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
60.8/100
waterverge.com
C 60.8/100

Pequannock Twp.-1431, NJ — Water Quality Report

Pequannock Twp.-1431's drinking water received a grade of C (60.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 15,473 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 4.8 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.

The system has 183 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Pequannock Twp.-1431's water

Pequannock Twp.-1431 ranks #333 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.

Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 30.2 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.40 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
60.8 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
14.1/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 4.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
16.7/20
B
No PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Pequannock Twp.-1431, NJ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Pequannock Twp.-1431's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 15,473 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

18
Active Violations
4.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
None
PFAS Detected
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Pequannock Twp.-1431

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pequannock Twp.-1431's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.8/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4614). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

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 Pequannock Twp.-1431's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Pequannock Twp.-1431's water system has 183 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRRPTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Jul 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Jul 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open

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 Rockaway River At Main Street At Boonton, Boonton Reservoir At Boonton, Rockaway River Below Reservoir At Boonton, Whippany River Near Pine Brook, Passaic River At Pine Brook.

REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4614
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3573
TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA DR-4574

Where does Pequannock Twp.-1431's water come from?

Pequannock Twp.-1431's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 15,473 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rockaway River At Main Street At Boonton (river), Boonton Reservoir At Boonton (lake), Rockaway River Below Reservoir At Boonton (river), Whippany River Near Pine Brook (river), Passaic River At Pine Brook (river).

What Pequannock Twp.-1431 residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pequannock Twp.-1431's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Pequannock Twp.-1431'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
4.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 32% of limit
Safe Level
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
30.2 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 50% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 6.1 µg/LHAA9: 35.5 µg/L
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
0.40 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 4% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
147.4 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 10% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Detected
16.9 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · 34% of limit
DetectedUCMR 4 Data
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
0.33 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 2% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Elevated
106.5 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · 51% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
0
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

183
Total violations
10
Health-based
18
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

183 Total
18 Active
10 Health-based
165 Resolved
3 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
87
Lead and Copper Rule
17
Total Coliform Rule
13
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
11
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
11
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2020 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2019 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2018 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2014 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2004 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2025 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Jul 2024 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Showing 20 of 183 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Morris 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.

16.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2021
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #4614
Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #3573
Dec 2020
TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA #4574
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4086
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3354
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4021

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.2 ppb from 1992 (8.0 ppb) to 2025 (4.8 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Pequannock Twp.-1431 compares by contaminant

Explore where Pequannock Twp.-1431 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
15,473
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Pequannock Twp.-1431's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Pequannock Twp.-1431'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 15,473 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Pequannock Twp.-1431

Pequannock Twp.-1431 is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Rockaway River At Main Street At Boonton
river
Boonton Reservoir At Boonton
lake
Rockaway River Below Reservoir At Boonton
river
Whippany River Near Pine Brook
river
Passaic River At Pine Brook
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Pequannock Twp.-1431

System Name PWSID Population Source
PEQUANNOCK TWP WATER DEPARTMENT NJ1431001 14,010 SWP
PEQUANNOCK TWP WD-CEDAR CREST NJ1431002 1,463 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Pequannock Twp.-1431 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Pequannock Twp.-1431's score of 60.8/100 is on par with the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Pequannock Twp.-1431 (this city)
60.8
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

About Pequannock Twp.-1431, NJ

Wikipedia →

Pompton Plains is a census-designated place (CDP) and unincorporated community constituting the majority of Pequannock Township, Morris County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the CDP's population was 11,144. The community was first listed as a CDP in advance of the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$111,503
Median Income
$481,828
Median Home Value
$3,370/mo
Median Rent
5.8%
Unemployment
Community
53.8
Median Age
816
People / sq mi
51.3%
College Educated
81.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Pequannock Twp.-1431, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Pequannock Twp.-1431's water quality earned a grade of C (60.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #333 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Pequannock Twp.-1431's water?

Lead was measured at 4.8 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 183 violations are on record.

How is Pequannock Twp.-1431'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 Pequannock Twp.-1431?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Pequannock Twp.-1431's water come from?

Pequannock Twp.-1431's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 15,473 residents.

What health violations has Pequannock Twp.-1431's water system had?

Pequannock Twp.-1431 has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.

How does Pequannock Twp.-1431's water compare to other cities?

Pequannock Twp.-1431 ranks #333 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 23% of state cities) and #12049 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.