ZipCheckup grade for 08882: C.
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South River, NJ (08882): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 58/100
EPA data for South River W Department
Health-based violation records by water system:
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 08882 in South River, NJ contain 22 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 4 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 4 health-based violations and 18 non-health-based (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result is below the laboratory reporting limit, not a measured zero; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
- Radon EPA Zone 2 - county-level radon potential, not a home measurement.
- Flood 433 cumulative NFIP claim records. This historical count is not a current property-risk verdict.
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This report sorts findings for 08882 in South River into tiers using its own criteria, covering a water system's 90th-percentile lead result above the EPA action level, unresolved violations on record, PFAS and carbon monoxide risk; in the available data, one finding meets the critical criteria and none meets the high-priority criteria, and the card below links to the section with details.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 58/100
This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (7) CRITICAL
Your Water System
ZIP code 08882 in South River, New Jersey is mapped to the water system South River W Department (EPA ID: NJ1223001). This system provides water to approximately 16,000 people from surface water sources.
Lead & Copper in Your Water
The EPA requires water systems to monitor lead and copper levels under the Lead and Copper Rule.
| Metal | Measured Level | EPA Action Level | Status | Sample Date or Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Action-level exceedance on record | 1.3 mg/L | Exceeds action level | Not present in ZipCheckup accepted source data |
Other Water Quality Reports in New Jersey
- 07001 (Avenel) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07002 (Bayonne) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07003 (Bloomfield) - 10 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07004 (Fairfield) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07005 (Boonton) - 116 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07006 (Caldwell) - 38 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07007 (Caldwell)
- 07008 (Carteret) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07009 (Cedar Grove) - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07010 (Cliffside Park) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 07011 (Clifton) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07012 (Clifton) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07013 (Clifton) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07014 (Clifton) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07015 (Clifton)
- 07016 (Cranford)
- 07017 (East Orange) - 48 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07018 (East Orange) - 48 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 07019 (East Orange)
- 07020 (Edgewater) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 08816 (East Brunswick) - 2 mi - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 08872 (Sayreville) - 2 mi - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 08818 (Edison) - 2 mi
- 08855 (Piscataway) - 2 mi
- 08862 (Perth Amboy) - 2 mi
- 08871 (Sayreville) - 2 mi
- 08989 (New Brunswick) - 2 mi
- 08850 (Milltown) - 3 mi - 41 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 08905 (New Brunswick) - 4 mi
- 08859 (Parlin) - 4 mi - 12 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for South River W Department (NJ1223001) on EPA.gov.
5 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
Compliance History
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 08882. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFHxA, PFOA, PFBA, PFOS, PFPeA.
Highest measured level: 0.0084 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) CRITICAL
Home & Infrastructure (8) HIGH
Possible home maintenance concerns - talk to a local expert.
Call (855) 384-4856Paid Partner This is a free service. You will be connected with an independent service provider. We may receive compensation.
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in South River
Based on local data for ZIP 08882, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in South River has 433 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Gutter Installation & Repair
The median home in 08882 was built around 1953. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.
Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsWindow Replacement
The median build year of homes in South River is 1953; check the age and condition of your own windows. ENERGY STAR windows can save $101–$583/year on energy bills.
Typical cost: Window replacement: typically $300–$800 per window installed
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsRoofing Inspection & Repair
Homes built around 1953 may be on their second or third roof. A professional inspection can catch damage before leaks start.
Typical cost: Roof inspection: typically $75–$300; repairs $300–$1,500
Estimate Your Home Insurance NeedsService recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 08882 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 22 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 08882 (primary system: South River W Department), including 4 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 08882's water come from?
The recorded water source for South River W Department, a system mapped to ZIP code 08882, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 16,000 people.
How does South River water compare to the national average?
South River's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 85% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 65% of ZIP codes within New Jersey.
How can I get my water tested in South River?
If South River W Department supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
What is the radon risk for 08882?
08882 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 2 (moderate county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Middlesex County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 08882's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 08882. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 08882?
FEMA records contain 433 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 08882; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is A05, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. This is a substantial claim history, but claim count is not a count of distinct events or properties. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). South River, NJ (08882): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 58/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/08882/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-08882,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{South River, NJ (08882): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 58/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/08882/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 08882
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08816 | East Brunswick, NJ | 1.8 mi | C | 9 |
| 08872 | Sayreville, NJ | 2.0 mi | C | 6 |
| 08818 | Edison, NJ | 2.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 08855 | Piscataway, NJ | 2.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 08862 | Perth Amboy, NJ | 2.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 08871 | Sayreville, NJ | 2.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 08989 | New Brunswick, NJ | 2.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 08850 | Milltown, NJ | 3.1 mi | C | 41 |
| 08905 | New Brunswick, NJ | 4.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 08859 | Parlin, NJ | 4.1 mi | D | 12 |
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