New Providence, NJ Water Safety: 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from New Providence, NJ tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How New Providence Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About New Providence Water
- Homes built before 1986: 82% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.22.
Who Supplies Your Water in New Providence
Water delivery in New Providence, NJ is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in New Providence, New Jersey (population ~12,737), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 217,330 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in New Providence — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for New Providence: D (50/100)
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
New Providence water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for New Providence
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07974 | D | NJ AMERICAN WATER - SHORT HILLS | 217,230 |
All ZIP Codes in New Providence
- 07974 [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.
Health Outcomes in New Providence
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
Housing & Infrastructure in New Providence
With 82% 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
Because the majority of New Providence's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1967 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in New Providence 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for New Providence Homeowners
Given current New Providence valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in New Providence are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$3,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 50% above the New Jersey average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in New Providence
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.
Older stock in New Providence represents 82% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in New Providence
Within the NFIP's national dataset, New Providence falls in moderate-exposure territory — 102 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
New Providence has a moderate flood history with 102 FEMA claims averaging $10,494 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>$2,200</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 New Providence
- 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 82% 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 New Providence, NJ