WaterVerge

Is Stillwater Twp.-1920, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D+, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ1920001
Overall Score
52 / 100
Violations
23 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#365 of 435 in New Jersey Top 82% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
52/100
waterverge.com
D+ 52/100

Stillwater Twp.-1920, NJ — Water Quality Report

Stillwater Twp.-1920's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater.

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 482 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Stillwater Twp.-1920's water

Stillwater Twp.-1920 ranks #365 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Stillwater Twp.-1920 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, Stillwater Twp.-1920 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 145 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
52 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
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
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Stillwater Twp.-1920, NJ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Stillwater Twp.-1920's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).

23
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Stillwater Twp.-1920

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stillwater Twp.-1920's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52/100).

Violation
5 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Violation
10 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, 1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

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 Stillwater Twp.-1920's water supply.

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

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Stillwater Twp.-1920's water system has 482 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 145 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Dec 2025 E. COLI Open
Dec 2025 E. COLI Open
Dec 2025 E. COLI Open
Dec 2025 E. COLI Open
Dec 2025 E. COLI 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 Berkshire Valley, South Branch Raritan River At Four Bridges, Lamington (Black) River At Succasunna, Lamington (Black) River Near Ironia, Lamington (Black) River Near Pottersville.

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 Stillwater Twp.-1920's water come from?

Stillwater Twp.-1920's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rockaway River At Berkshire Valley (river), South Branch Raritan River At Four Bridges (river), Lamington (Black) River At Succasunna (river), Lamington (Black) River Near Ironia (river), Lamington (Black) River Near Pottersville (river).

What Stillwater Twp.-1920 residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stillwater Twp.-1920'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

Stillwater Twp.-1920'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

482
Total violations
13
Health-based
23
Active / unresolved
Dec 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

482 Total
23 Active
13 Health-based
459 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
168
Inorganic Chemicals
122
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
72
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
30
Ground Water Rule
24
Dec 2025 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2025 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2025 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2025 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2025 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2021 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Nov 2021 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2019 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2011 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2011 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2011 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 482 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Sussex 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.

13.7%
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 1.0 ppb from 1993 (1.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Stillwater Twp.-1920 compares by contaminant

Explore where Stillwater Twp.-1920 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,200
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Stillwater Twp.-1920's water comes from

Groundwater

Stillwater Twp.-1920'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Stillwater Twp.-1920

Stillwater Twp.-1920 is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Rockaway River At Berkshire Valley
river
South Branch Raritan River At Four Bridges
river
Lamington (Black) River At Succasunna
river
Lamington (Black) River Near Ironia
river
Lamington (Black) River Near Pottersville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Stillwater Twp.-1920

System Name PWSID Population Source
STILLWATER WATER DISTRICT 1 NJ1920001 1,200 GW
Regional Comparison

How Stillwater Twp.-1920 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Stillwater Twp.-1920's score of 52/100 is below the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Stillwater Twp.-1920 (this city)
52
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

About Stillwater Twp.-1920, NJ

Wikipedia →

Budd Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Mount Olive Township, in Morris County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the CDP's population was 9,784, its highest decennial census count ever and an increase of 816 (+9.1%) from the 8,968 enumerated at the 2010 census, which in turn reflected an increase of 868 (+10.7%) from the 8,100 counted in the 2000 census. Budd Lake was named for John Budd. Prior to that, it was called Hattacawanna Lake.

Economic Profile
$99,303
Median Income
$397,176
Median Home Value
$1,216/mo
Median Rent
5.7%
Unemployment
Community
37.3
Median Age
708
People / sq mi
47%
College Educated
75.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Stillwater Twp.-1920, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Stillwater Twp.-1920's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #365 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Stillwater Twp.-1920's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 482 violations are on record.

How is Stillwater Twp.-1920'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 Stillwater Twp.-1920?

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

Where does Stillwater Twp.-1920's water come from?

Stillwater Twp.-1920's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.

What health violations has Stillwater Twp.-1920's water system had?

Stillwater Twp.-1920 has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.

Is Stillwater Twp.-1920's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Stillwater Twp.-1920 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 482 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 Stillwater Twp.-1920's water compare to other cities?

Stillwater Twp.-1920 ranks #365 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 16% of state cities) and #12828 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Stillwater Twp.-1920's small water system affect quality?

Stillwater Twp.-1920's system serves approximately 1,200 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 482 violations on record.