Water Quality in Trenton, NJ: 1428 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Trenton's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for Trenton, NJ, the record shows 1428 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality Map: Trenton, NJ
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Trenton
Water quality varies across Trenton's 28 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08618 | D | 45 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08619 | D | 45 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08638 | D | 45 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08628 | D | 50 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08602 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08603 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08605 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08606 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08607 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08625 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08641 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08644 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08645 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08646 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
| 08647 | D | 54 | 51 | 4 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Trenton.
Water Quality Overview
Trenton, New Jersey receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Trenton have accumulated 1428 EPA violations, including 112 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 28 ZIP codes serving approximately 217,000 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Trenton'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 Trenton water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 74% of homes built before 1986, Trenton 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
Trenton is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Trenton
Trenton is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 217,000 people across 28 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 280 enforcement actions against water systems serving Trenton. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Trenton
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 Trenton Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Trenton's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 364 | 28 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 252 | 28 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 140 | 28 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 112 | 28 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 56 | 28 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 28 | 28 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 28 | 28 | No |
| Nickel | Inorganic | 0.1 mg/L | 28 | 28 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 28 | 28 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 28 | 28 | 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 Trenton:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 56 | 56 |
| 2024 | 28 | 28 |
Violations have decreased from 56 in 2021 to 28 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Trenton. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-05 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-12-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-09-30 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-30.
Trenton vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities
How Trenton's water quality compares to similar cities in New Jersey:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton | D | 1428 | 1 | 217,000 |
| Allentown | D | 0 | 1 | 217,000 |
| Chesterfield | D | 0 | 1 | 217,000 |
| Fort Dix | D | 0 | 1 | 217,000 |
Recommended Water Filters for Trenton
Based on contaminants detected in Trenton's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: Haloacetic Acid HAA5
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Trihalomethane (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Trenton
Water quality varies across Trenton's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08618 | 45 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08619 | 45 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08638 | 45 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08628 | 50 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08602 | 54 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08603 | 54 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08605 | 54 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08606 | 54 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08607 | 54 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08625 | 54 | D | 51 | 4 |
| 08601 | 85 | A | 51 | 4 |
| 08691 | 60 | C | 51 | 4 |
| 08690 | 60 | C | 51 | 4 |
| 08620 | 60 | C | 51 | 4 |
| 08608 | 60 | C | 51 | 4 |
Water quality scores in Trenton range from 45 to 85 — a spread of 40 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Trenton Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Trenton, New Jersey:
Is Trenton water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Trenton's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Trenton tap water? Trenton's water receives a grade of D (54/100). There are 112 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Trenton? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, under-sink or whole-house) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Trenton vs. New Jersey Average
Understanding how Trenton 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 Trenton.
ZIP Codes in Trenton
Trenton spans 28 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 08601. 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.