ZIP Code 08690 Water Quality & Testing Report
Trenton, NJ · Mercer County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 08690 (Trenton, NJ)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 08690 (Trenton, NJ) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (60/100) due to 4 health violation(s) and 4.0 ppb lead. While treated by Trenton Water Works, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Fair — Some compliance concerns
Health Violations
4
Total Violations
51
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
3
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 29 unresolved violations. Contact Trenton Water Works for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 08690
Tap water in ZIP code 08690 (Trenton, NJ) is distributed by Trenton Water Works (EPA ID: NJ1111001), serving approximately 217,000 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 60/100.
Water System
Trenton Water Works
EPA ID: NJ1111001
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
217,000 residents
County
Mercer County County, New Jersey
Lead Levels in ZIP 08690
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 4.0 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 08690 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 56% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
From annual CCR filing
From annual CCR filing
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 08690 is classified as Soft (53 mg/L / 3.1 GPG). Soft water produces abundant soap lather, prevents scale buildup in water heaters, and does not leave spots on dishes.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: Trenton Water Works · PWSID: NJ1111001
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Trenton Water Works has recorded 4 health-based violations out of 51 total violations over the past 5 years. 29 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 3 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 1 DBP Rule, Fecal Coliform, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
From Consumer Confidence Report:
Turbidity (0.607 NTU); Haloacetic Acid HAA5 (43 ppb); Trihalomethane (TTHM) (66 ppb)
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
Highest potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 08690
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 08690 served by Trenton Water Works can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 08690 Recommendations
Some compliance concerns — take precautions
- ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
- ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
- ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
- ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 08690 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 08690?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 08690 (Trenton, NJ)?+
How hard is the tap water in 08690?+
Should I test private well water in 08690?+
What is the lead level in 08690 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 08690?+
Who provides tap water to 08690?+
What water filter should I use in 08690?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 08690 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Trenton Water Works. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →