WaterVerge

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 ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ0817001
Overall Score
78.2 / 100
Violations
9 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#172 of 435 in New Jersey Top 56% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
78.2/100
waterverge.com
B 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.

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

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
78.2 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
28.2/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Swedesboro Boro-0817, NJ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

9
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Swedesboro Boro-0817

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Swedesboro Boro-0817's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Swedesboro Boro-0817's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Apr 2025 Chlorine Resolved
Apr 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2022 Chlorine Resolved
Apr 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open

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.

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 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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Swedesboro Boro-0817'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

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

121
Total violations
0
Health-based
9
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

121 Total
9 Active
0 Health-based
112 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
84
Inorganic Chemicals
17
Lead and Copper Rule
6
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Mar 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2025 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Oct 2022 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jul 2018 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2018
Jul 2018 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2018
Jul 2018 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2018
Jan 2018 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Jan 2017 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2017 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Showing 20 of 121 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Gloucester 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.

2
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
9.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
2
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

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.

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) 1.0 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 2.0 ppb from 1993 (3.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Swedesboro Boro-0817 compares by contaminant

Explore where Swedesboro Boro-0817 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,824
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Swedesboro Boro-0817's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

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
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Swedesboro Boro-0817

System Name PWSID Population Source
SWEDESBORO WATER DEPARTMENT NJ0817001 2,824 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Swedesboro Boro-0817 (this city)
78.2
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

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.

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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.