Port Elizabeth, NJ Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Compliance figures for Port Elizabeth indicate average water quality in NJ overall — some service areas have recorded health-based violations in recent monitoring cycles, while others operate cleanly, making system-level data the most actionable reference point for residents.
How Port Elizabeth Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for Port Elizabeth Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 95% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.22.
Port Elizabeth's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Port Elizabeth, NJ. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey (population ~191), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,679 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Port Elizabeth — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Port Elizabeth: C (55/100)
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
Port Elizabeth water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Port Elizabeth
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08348 | C | NJ STATE PRISON BAYSIDE | 1,679 |
All ZIP Codes in Port Elizabeth
- 08348 [C]
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.
Port Elizabeth 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
Port Elizabeth Infrastructure Age
With 95% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Port Elizabeth's housing stock carries a median build year of 1955. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Port Elizabeth 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.
Port Elizabeth: 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.
Older stock in Port Elizabeth represents 95% 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.
Port Elizabeth: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Port Elizabeth falls in moderate-exposure territory — 11 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.
Port Elizabeth has a moderate flood history with 11 FEMA claims averaging $9,464 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>$1,600</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 Port Elizabeth
- 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 95% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Port Elizabeth, NJ