TapSafetyReport
F17/100

South River Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 16,000 residents · New Jersey

What's In South River's Tap Water?

70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
1.83 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit
chlorate
500.00 µg/L—Above Goal

EPA Violation History

19

Violations (last 5yr)

3

Unresolved

4

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025 – July 18, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: May 29, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2025 – July 18, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – February 13, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 12, 2024 – February 13, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2023 – February 28, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: August 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023 – August 30, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Consumer confidence report — content deficiency

When: January 1, 2023 – May 23, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – February 22, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Consumer confidence report — inadequate or unavailable

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – April 4, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: October 1, 2021 – March 19, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – March 19, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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

SOUTH RIVER W DEPT
Population Served

16,000

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

NJ1223001

Frequently Asked Questions About South River Water

Is South River tap water safe to drink?

South River, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of F (17/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 44 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in South River's water?

Of the 70 contaminants tested in South River's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), chlorate. 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 South River have any water quality violations?

Yes, South River has 44 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in South River?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in South River 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 South River's tap water come from?

South River's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by SOUTH RIVER W DEPT. The system serves approximately 16,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is South River'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. South River'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 South River's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?

South River's water quality score of 17/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our New Jersey state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about South River's water quality?

If you have concerns about South River'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 (SOUTH RIVER W DEPT) 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.

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