A86/100
Short Mills Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 11,247 residents · New Jersey
What's In Short Mills's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2005.
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 - LITTLE FALLS
Population Served
11,247
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NJ1605001
Frequently Asked Questions About Short Mills Water
Is Short Mills tap water safe to drink?
Short Mills, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of A (86/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 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 Mills's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Short Mills's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Short Mills have any water quality violations?
Yes, Short Mills has 3 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2005. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Short Mills?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Short Mills is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Short Mills's tap water come from?
Short Mills's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by NJ AMERICAN WATER - LITTLE FALLS. The system serves approximately 11,247 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Short Mills'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 Mills'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 Mills's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Short Mills's water quality score of 86/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Short Mills among the better-performing water systems in New Jersey. 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 Mills's water quality?
If you have concerns about Short Mills'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 - LITTLE FALLS) 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.