WaterVerge

Is Riverdale Boro-1433, 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 ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ1433001
Overall Score
86.8 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#40 of 435 in New Jersey Top 28% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.8/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.8/100

Riverdale Boro-1433, NJ — Water Quality Report

Riverdale Boro-1433's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,850 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 53 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Riverdale Boro-1433's water

Riverdale Boro-1433 ranks #40 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Riverdale Boro-1433 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.8 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
37.8/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Riverdale Boro-1433, NJ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Riverdale Boro-1433's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,850 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

4
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Riverdale Boro-1433

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Riverdale Boro-1433's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

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 Riverdale Boro-1433's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Riverdale Boro-1433's water system has 53 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Jan 2025 Nitrate Resolved
Oct 2024 Chlorine Resolved
Oct 2024 Chlorine Resolved
Aug 2024 E. COLI Open
Apr 2020 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved

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 Riverdale Boro-1433's water come from?

Riverdale Boro-1433's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,850 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 Riverdale Boro-1433 residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Riverdale Boro-1433'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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Riverdale Boro-1433'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

53
Total violations
0
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Jan 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

53 Total
4 Active
0 Health-based
49 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Surface Water Treatment Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
1
Ground Water Rule
1
Aug 2024 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2025 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Oct 2024 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Apr 2020 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2020
Jul 2019 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2019
Apr 2015 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2015
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2001
Showing 20 of 53 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) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.6 ppb from 1993 (3.6 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Riverdale Boro-1433 compares by contaminant

Explore where Riverdale Boro-1433 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,850
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Riverdale Boro-1433's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Riverdale Boro-1433'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 2,850 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Riverdale Boro-1433

Riverdale Boro-1433 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 Riverdale Boro-1433

System Name PWSID Population Source
RIVERDALE BORO WATER DEP NJ1433001 2,850 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Riverdale Boro-1433 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Riverdale Boro-1433's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Riverdale Boro-1433 (this city)
86.8
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

About Riverdale Boro-1433, NJ

Wikipedia →

Riverdale is a borough in Morris County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 4,107, an increase of 548 (+15.4%) from the 2010 census count of 3,559, which in turn reflected an increase of 1,061 (+42.5%) from the 2,498 counted in the 2000 census.

Economic Profile
$103,214
Median Income
$383,038
Median Home Value
$2,568/mo
Median Rent
2.4%
Unemployment
Community
49
Median Age
778
People / sq mi
44.1%
College Educated
70.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Riverdale Boro-1433, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Riverdale Boro-1433's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #40 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Riverdale Boro-1433's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 53 violations are on record.

How is Riverdale Boro-1433'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 Riverdale Boro-1433?

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

Where does Riverdale Boro-1433's water come from?

Riverdale Boro-1433's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,850 residents.

How does Riverdale Boro-1433's water compare to other cities?

Riverdale Boro-1433 ranks #40 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 91% of state cities) and #4448 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Riverdale Boro-1433's small water system affect quality?

Riverdale Boro-1433's system serves approximately 2,850 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 53 violations on record.