Is Swedesboro Boro-0817, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.2/100
Swedesboro Boro-0817, NJ — Water Quality Report
Swedesboro Boro-0817's drinking water received a grade of B (78.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,824 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 121 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Swedesboro Boro-0817's water
Swedesboro Boro-0817 ranks #172 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Swedesboro Boro-0817 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, Swedesboro Boro-0817 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Swedesboro Boro-0817, NJ water safe to drink?
Swedesboro Boro-0817's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,824 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Swedesboro Boro-0817
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Swedesboro Boro-0817's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Swedesboro Boro-0817's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Swedesboro Boro-0817's water system has 121 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 5 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 East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette, Pequest River At Huntsville, Lake Hopatcong At Landing, Musconetcong River At Outlet Of Lake Hopatcong.
Where does Swedesboro Boro-0817's water come from?
Swedesboro Boro-0817's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,824 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Branch Paulins Kill Near Lafayette (river), Pequest River At Huntsville (river), Lake Hopatcong At Landing (lake), Musconetcong River At Outlet Of Lake Hopatcong (river).
What Swedesboro Boro-0817 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Swedesboro Boro-0817'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.
Swedesboro Boro-0817'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
D2 — severe droughtGloucester County is currently in D2 (severe 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.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Swedesboro Boro-0817 compares by contaminant
Explore where Swedesboro Boro-0817 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Swedesboro Boro-0817's water comes from
Swedesboro Boro-0817'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 2,824 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Swedesboro Boro-0817
Swedesboro Boro-0817 is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Swedesboro Boro-0817
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWEDESBORO WATER DEPARTMENT | NJ0817001 | 2,824 | GW |
How Swedesboro Boro-0817 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Swedesboro Boro-0817's score of 78.2/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →About Swedesboro Boro-0817, NJ
Wikipedia →Newton, officially the Town of Newton, is an incorporated municipality in and the county seat of Sussex County in the U.S. state of New Jersey, situated approximately 60 miles (97 km) northwest of New York City. As of the 2020 United States census, the town's population was 8,374, its highest decennial population ever, an increase of 377 (+4.7%) from the 2010 census count of 7,997, which in turn reflected a decrease of 247 (−3.0%) from the 8,244 counted in the 2000 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Swedesboro Boro-0817's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gloucester
Frequently asked questions
Is Swedesboro Boro-0817, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Swedesboro Boro-0817's water quality earned a grade of B (78.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #172 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Swedesboro Boro-0817's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 121 violations are on record.
How is Swedesboro Boro-0817'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 Swedesboro Boro-0817?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Swedesboro Boro-0817's water come from?
Swedesboro Boro-0817's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,824 residents.
Is Swedesboro Boro-0817's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Swedesboro Boro-0817 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 121 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 Swedesboro Boro-0817's water compare to other cities?
Swedesboro Boro-0817 ranks #172 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 60% of state cities) and #8757 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Swedesboro Boro-0817's small water system affect quality?
Swedesboro Boro-0817's system serves approximately 2,824 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 121 violations on record.