Water Quality in Elizabeth, NJ: No Violations - Grade C
Grade C · Score 55/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Elizabeth's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Within the water supply network of Elizabeth, NJ, no EPA violations appear anywhere in the federal compliance record - 2 public water systems are tracked here, and not one has been cited for an MCL exceedance, a monitoring failure, or any other reportable compliance event.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Elizabeth
Water quality varies across Elizabeth's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07202 | D | 50 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 07208 | D | 50 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 07201 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 07207 | C | 63 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Elizabeth, New Jersey receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 55 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 2 water systems serving Elizabeth. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants - some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Elizabeth's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Elizabeth is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 81% of homes built before 1986, Elizabeth has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Elizabeth is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Elizabeth
Elizabeth is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 104,767 people across 4 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 36 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elizabeth. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Elizabeth
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elizabeth. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-05-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-05-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-02-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-01-19 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-01-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-03-17 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-12-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-07-06 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-06-30.
Elizabeth vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities
How Elizabeth's water quality compares to similar cities in New Jersey:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth | C | 0 | 2 | 104,767 |
| Edison | C | 30 | 2 | 107,270 |
| Clifton | B | 30 | 5 | 88,256 |
| Toms River | A | 10 | 1 | 129,706 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Elizabeth
Water quality varies across Elizabeth's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07202 | 50 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 07208 | 50 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 07201 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 07207 | 63 | C | 0 | 0 |
Common Questions About Elizabeth Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Elizabeth, New Jersey:
Is Elizabeth water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Elizabeth's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Elizabeth tap water? Elizabeth's water receives a grade of C (55/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Elizabeth? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Elizabeth vs. New Jersey Average
Understanding how Elizabeth compares to the broader New Jersey average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Elizabeth.
ZIP Codes in Elizabeth
Elizabeth spans 4 ZIP codes. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.