Lead in New Jersey Drinking Water — 483 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for lead in New Jersey drinking water systems
ZipCheckup tracks Lead in New Jersey drinking water: 483 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 128 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.
Lead Contamination in New Jersey
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 551 ZIP codes in New Jersey for lead contamination. 483 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 128 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for lead in New Jersey is 23.2% of all ZIP codes — higher than the national average.
EPA Standard for Lead
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in New Jersey
These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in New Jersey based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Lead Levels in New Jersey
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in New Jersey:
Health Effects of Lead
Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.
How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in New Jersey.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in New Jersey
Ranked by highest lead detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 07480 | West Milford | 19 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 2 | 08515 | Chesterfield | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 3 | 08742 | Point Pleasant Beach | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 4 | 07850 | Landing | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 5 | 07852 | Ledgewood | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 6 | 07856 | Mount Arlington | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 7 | 08865 | Phillipsburg | 12 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 8 | 07010 | Cliffside Park | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 9 | 07020 | Edgewater | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 10 | 07022 | Fairview | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 11 | 07024 | Fort Lee | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 12 | 07047 | North Bergen | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 13 | 07070 | Rutherford | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 14 | 07072 | Carlstadt | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 15 | 07073 | East Rutherford | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 16 | 07074 | Moonachie | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 17 | 07075 | Wood Ridge | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 18 | 07086 | Weehawken | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 19 | 07087 | Union City | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 20 | 07093 | Monitor | 11 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
Lowest Lead Levels in New Jersey
Cities with Lead Data in New Jersey
307 cities in New Jersey have lead testing data available.
+ 287 more cities