WaterVerge

Is Stockton Boro-1023, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

650 residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ1023001
Overall Score
54.2 / 100
Violations
24 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#358 of 435 in New Jersey Top 80% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
54.2/100
waterverge.com
D+ 54.2/100

Stockton Boro-1023, NJ — Water Quality Report

Stockton Boro-1023's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 75 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Stockton Boro-1023's water

Stockton Boro-1023 ranks #358 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Stockton Boro-1023 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, Stockton Boro-1023 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
54.2 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
11.2/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Stockton Boro-1023, NJ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Stockton Boro-1023's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using groundwater (wells).

24
Active Violations
1.2 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Stockton Boro-1023

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stockton Boro-1023's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: 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 Stockton Boro-1023's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.2 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.50 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Stockton Boro-1023's water system has 75 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRTTRPTMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Sep 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Apr 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Sep 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Hunterdon County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Delaware River At Frenchtown, Tohickon Creek Near Pipersville, Del And Rar Ca Feeder At Washington Crossing, Delaware River At Stockton, Delaware River At Lambertville.

REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4614
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3573
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4086

Where does Stockton Boro-1023's water come from?

Stockton Boro-1023's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Delaware River At Frenchtown (river), Tohickon Creek Near Pipersville (river), Del And Rar Ca Feeder At Washington Crossing (stream), Delaware River At Stockton (river), Delaware River At Lambertville (river).

What Stockton Boro-1023 residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stockton Boro-1023'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

Stockton Boro-1023'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
1.2 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 8% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.50 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +15% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

75
Total violations
3
Health-based
24
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

75 Total
24 Active
3 Health-based
51 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Lead and Copper Rule
19
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
4
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Mar 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
May 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2021 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Apr 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Mar 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Sep 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 75 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Hunterdon 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.

7.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
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

Hunterdon County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4086
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3354
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4021
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #3332

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Stockton Boro-1023's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.2 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.50 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.8 ppb from 1998 (3.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.2 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.430 mg/L from 2018 (1.930 mg/L) to 2022 (1.500 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Stockton Boro-1023 compares by contaminant

Explore where Stockton Boro-1023 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
650
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Stockton Boro-1023's water comes from

Groundwater

Stockton Boro-1023'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 650 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Stockton Boro-1023

Stockton Boro-1023 is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Delaware River At Frenchtown
river
Tohickon Creek Near Pipersville
river
Del And Rar Ca Feeder At Washington Crossing
stream
Delaware River At Stockton
river
Delaware River At Lambertville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Stockton Boro-1023

System Name PWSID Population Source
STOCKTON WATER DEPARTMENT NJ1023001 650 GW
Regional Comparison

How Stockton Boro-1023 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Stockton Boro-1023's score of 54.2/100 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.

Stockton Boro-1023 (this city)
54.2
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

About Stockton Boro-1023, NJ

Wikipedia →

Stockton is a borough in Hunterdon County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The borough sits on the Delaware River at the western end of Amwell Valley. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 495, a decrease of 43 (−8.0%) from the 2010 census count of 538, which in turn reflected a decline of 22 (−3.9%) from the 560 counted in the 2000 census.

Economic Profile
$100,833
Median Income
$399,986
Median Home Value
$1,458/mo
Median Rent
4.3%
Unemployment
Community
54.5
Median Age
336
People / sq mi
51.2%
College Educated
68.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Stockton Boro-1023, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Stockton Boro-1023's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #358 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Stockton Boro-1023's water?

Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 75 violations are on record.

How is Stockton Boro-1023'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 Stockton Boro-1023?

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

Where does Stockton Boro-1023's water come from?

Stockton Boro-1023's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 650 residents.

What health violations has Stockton Boro-1023's water system had?

Stockton Boro-1023 has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.

Is Stockton Boro-1023's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Stockton Boro-1023 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 75 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 Stockton Boro-1023's water compare to other cities?

Stockton Boro-1023 ranks #358 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 18% of state cities) and #12627 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Stockton Boro-1023's small water system affect quality?

Stockton Boro-1023's system serves approximately 650 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 75 violations on record.