Somerset, NJ: 4 Health Violations — 63/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Somerset tap water shows a mixed record for NJ — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Somerset Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Somerset Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 28 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0013 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $3,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.99.
Who Supplies Your Water in Somerset
Consolidated water delivery characterizes Somerset, NJ: among 1 system in federal records, one utility holds the dominant service position — carrying the rate-setting authority, the infrastructure obligations, and the EPA reporting burden for most residential addresses.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Somerset, New Jersey, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 55,862 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Somerset: C (63/100)
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
Somerset water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0013 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 30 | 2 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 3 | 2 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08873 | C | 14 | 2 | Franklin Township Department of Public Works |
| 08875 | C | 14 | 2 | Franklin Township Department of Public Works |
All ZIP Codes in Somerset
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 Somerset
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
Top Contaminants in Somerset Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Somerset Homeowners
Property equity in Somerset runs well ahead of estimated remediation costs — a cost-to-value ratio that sits in the low tier, meaning documented water and safety issues here are the kind homeowners can plan to address without treating the expense as a significant budget event relative to what their homes are worth.
Remediation costs in Somerset are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,550–$5,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 9% below the New Jersey average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Somerset
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.
Lead risk in Somerset appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Somerset
Somerset's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 106 NFIP claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Somerset has a moderate flood history with 106 FEMA claims averaging $39,507 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>$3,900</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 Somerset
- 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. Filters rated for Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Somerset's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Somerset, NJ