Is Sussex Boro-1921, 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 ↓
53.8/100
waterverge.com Sussex Boro-1921, NJ — Water Quality Report
Sussex Boro-1921's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,201 residents using 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 118 violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sussex Boro-1921's water
Sussex Boro-1921 ranks #359 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.
As a small community water system, Sussex Boro-1921 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sussex Boro-1921, NJ water safe to drink?
Sussex Boro-1921's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,201 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sussex Boro-1921
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sussex Boro-1921's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Chlorite.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sussex Boro-1921's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Sussex Boro-1921's water system has 118 total violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Wallkill R At Scott Road At Franklin, Wallkill River, East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette.
Where does Sussex Boro-1921's water come from?
Sussex Boro-1921's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,201 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Wallkill R At Scott Road At Franklin (river), Wallkill River (river), East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette (river).
What Sussex Boro-1921 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sussex Boro-1921'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.
Sussex Boro-1921'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sussex Boro-1921's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.45 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sussex Boro-1921 compares by contaminant
Explore where Sussex Boro-1921 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sussex Boro-1921's water comes from
Sussex Boro-1921'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 2,201 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sussex Boro-1921
Sussex Boro-1921 is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Sussex Boro-1921
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSSEX W DEPT | NJ1921001 | 2,201 | SW |
How Sussex Boro-1921 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Sussex Boro-1921's score of 53.8/100 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.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →About Sussex Boro-1921, NJ
Wikipedia →Sussex is a borough in Sussex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 2,024, a decrease of 106 (−5.0%) from the 2010 census count of 2,130, which in turn reflected a decline of 15 (−0.7%) from the 2,145 counted in the 2000 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sussex Boro-1921's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Sussex Boro-1921, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Sussex Boro-1921's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #359 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Sussex Boro-1921's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 118 violations are on record.
How is Sussex Boro-1921'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 Sussex Boro-1921?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sussex Boro-1921's water come from?
Sussex Boro-1921's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,201 residents.
What health violations has Sussex Boro-1921's water system had?
Sussex Boro-1921 has 34 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sussex Boro-1921's water compare to other cities?
Sussex Boro-1921 ranks #359 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 17% of state cities) and #12657 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 Sussex Boro-1921's small water system affect quality?
Sussex Boro-1921's system serves approximately 2,201 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 118 violations on record.