F0/100
Sparta Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 19,243 residents · New Jersey
What's In Sparta's Tap Water?
67
Contaminants Tested
3
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.36 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.008 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
9
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 11, 2023 – December 19, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2023 – September 12, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: September 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved
Consumer confidence report — late or incomplete delivery
When: July 14, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – September 12, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2022 – November 7, 2022Enforcement: 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: September 29, 2022 – September 14, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – November 7, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: May 13, 2021 – May 16, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: 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
SPARTA TWP WATER UTILITY -- HIGHLANDS
Population Served
1,618
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NJ1918003
SPARTA TWP WATER UTILITY - LAKE MOHAWK
Population Served
17,625
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NJ1918004
Frequently Asked Questions About Sparta Water
Is Sparta tap water safe to drink?
Sparta, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 448 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Sparta's water?
Of the 67 contaminants tested in Sparta's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Sparta have any water quality violations?
Yes, Sparta has 448 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include RPT, Other, MON. 10 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Sparta?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Sparta is recommended. 3 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 Sparta's tap water come from?
Sparta's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SPARTA TWP WATER UTILITY -- HIGHLANDS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 19,243 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Sparta'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. Sparta'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 Sparta's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Sparta's water quality score of 0/100 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 Sparta's water quality?
If you have concerns about Sparta'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 (SPARTA TWP WATER UTILITY -- HIGHLANDS) 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.