B77/100
Short Hills Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 217,230 residents · New Jersey
What's In Short Hills's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2015.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
NJ AMERICAN WATER - SHORT HILLS
Population Served
217,230
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NJ0712001
Frequently Asked Questions About Short Hills Water
Is Short Hills tap water safe to drink?
Short Hills, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of B (77/100), which is considered good. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Short Hills's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Short Hills's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Short Hills have any water quality violations?
Yes, Short Hills has 20 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2015. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Short Hills?
Short Hills water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Short Hills's tap water come from?
Short Hills's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by NJ AMERICAN WATER - SHORT HILLS. The system serves approximately 217,230 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Short Hills's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Short Hills's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Short Hills's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Short Hills's water quality score of 77/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our New Jersey state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Short Hills's water quality?
If you have concerns about Short Hills's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (NJ AMERICAN WATER - SHORT HILLS) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.