TapSafetyReport
F0/100

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

Serving 2,201 residents · New Jersey

What's In Sussex's Tap Water?

2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
2.45 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit

EPA Violation History

15

Violations (last 5yr)

6

Unresolved

6

Health-Related

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: September 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

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: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Public notification violation

When: January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

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

When: October 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

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

When: September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to conduct Level 2 Assessment

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

When: April 8, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved

Public notification violation

When: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: 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: September 29, 2023 – October 6, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Public notification violation

When: July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

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

When: July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved

Public notification violation

When: July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: 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: July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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, 2022 – December 22, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Public notification violation

When: January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

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

When: October 1, 2021 – October 31, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

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

SUSSEX W DEPT
Population Served

2,201

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

NJ1921001

Frequently Asked Questions About Sussex Water

Is Sussex tap water safe to drink?

Sussex, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 118 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Sussex's water?

Of the 2 contaminants tested in Sussex's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Sussex have any water quality violations?

Yes, Sussex has 118 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, MR, TT. 35 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Sussex?

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

Sussex's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by SUSSEX W DEPT. The system serves approximately 2,201 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

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

Sussex'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 Sussex's water quality?

If you have concerns about Sussex'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 (SUSSEX 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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