Water Quality in South River, NJ: 20 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 47/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
South River's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for South River, NJ show 20 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in South River
Water quality varies across South River's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08882 | D | 47 | 20 | 6 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving South River.
Water Quality Overview
South River, New Jersey receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 47 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving South River have accumulated 20 EPA violations, including 6 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 16,000 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. South River's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across South River water systems is 0.0025 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 85% of homes built before 1986, South River 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
South River is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving South River
South River is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 16,000 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving South River. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in South River
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
Contaminants Detected in South River Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across South River's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving South River:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2023 to 3 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving South River. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-25 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-16 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-22 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-25.
South River vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities
How South River's water quality compares to similar cities in New Jersey:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South River | D | 20 | 1 | 16,000 |
| Denville | F | 1 | 1 | 15,881 |
| Mount Tabor | D | 0 | 1 | 15,881 |
| Madison | C | 5 | 1 | 15,820 |
Common Questions About South River Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in South River, New Jersey:
Is South River water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. South River's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink South River tap water? South River's water receives a grade of D (47/100). There are 6 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for South River? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
South River vs. New Jersey Average
Understanding how South River 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 South River.
ZIP Codes in South River
South River spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 08882. 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.