East Rutherford, NJ Water Safety: 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in East Rutherford, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern for NJ — health-based violations are on file in several areas, and checking the specific system serving your address is a practical first step for concerned residents.
How East Rutherford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for East Rutherford Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.21.
East Rutherford's Water Providers
Water service in East Rutherford, NJ is split across 2 utilities out of 2 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in East Rutherford, New Jersey (population ~10,154), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 804,296 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in East Rutherford — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for East Rutherford: D (45/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
East Rutherford water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for East Rutherford
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07073 | D | VEOLIA WATER NEW JERSEY HACKENSACK | 792,713 |
All ZIP Codes in East Rutherford
- 07073 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
East Rutherford Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
East Rutherford Infrastructure Age
With 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in East Rutherford, where the median build year is 1965, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in East Rutherford were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in East Rutherford
When remediation costs are measured against East Rutherford home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in East Rutherford are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 6% below the New Jersey average.
East Rutherford: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Although utility-side compliance with federal Lead and Copper requirements remains the system reference, that compliance does not extend down into interior plumbing. With 73% of East Rutherford stock built before the solder ban and aggregate readings at or beyond the action mark, a household-level sample becomes the practical way to close that information gap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
East Rutherford: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although East Rutherford's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 282 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
East Rutherford has a moderate flood history with 282 FEMA claims averaging $43,108 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,800</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in East Rutherford
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 73% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for East Rutherford, NJ