Public water system record
Trenton Water Works
Serves an area of Mercer County, NJ that includes Trenton, Mercerville, White Horse and 3 more places · 217,000 people served
Federal records show 20 health-based violations and 79 monitoring/reporting issues for Trenton Water Works in the last ten years, including an unresolved Lead and Copper Rule violation.
System profile
Source water
Surface water
ZIP
08638
EPA system ID
NJ1111001
- Health-based violations, last 10 years
- 20
- Resolved
- 17
- Unresolved
- 1
- Archived by EPA
- 2
- Any acute record
- Yes
- Monitoring issues, last 10 years
- 79
Key facts
- Trenton Water Works draws water from 1 surface water intake.
- Highest measured level in the last 10 years: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), 0.071 mg/L, federal limit 0.06 mg/L (1.2 times the limit), 2018.
- Most recent formal enforcement: compliance order with a penalty by New Jersey, September 2024.
- Record on file since 1980, with 15 health-based violations before October 19, 2016.
- Lead pipe inventory: 15,734 lead and 23,000 unknown out of 62,507 service lines.
Check whether Trenton Water Works serves your address
Health-based violations
Since October 2016Violation data reflects EPA records through March 2026. For the most current status, visit the EPA ECHO database.
| Contaminant | Rule family | Start date | Status | Acute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.081 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (at or just above the limit)
|
220 | Oct 1, 2024 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
No |
|
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
120 | Jul 1, 2021 | Resolved | Yes |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.082 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (at or just above the limit)
|
220 | Jul 1, 2021 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
No |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
350 | Jan 1, 2021 | Resolved | No |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
350 | May 21, 2020 |
Active
Enforcement action in place
|
No |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
350 | Jul 1, 2019 | Resolved | No |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
350 | Jan 11, 2019 | Resolved | No |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.088 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (1.1 times the limit)
|
220 | Oct 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
350 | Aug 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.063 mg/L, federal limit 0.06 mg/L (1.1 times the limit)
|
220 | Jul 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.091 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (1.1 times the limit)
|
220 | Jul 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
350 | Jul 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.067 mg/L, federal limit 0.06 mg/L (1.1 times the limit)
|
220 | Apr 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.071 mg/L, federal limit 0.06 mg/L (1.2 times the limit)
|
220 | Jan 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.081 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (at or just above the limit)
|
220 | Jan 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
350 | Jan 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
120 | Jan 1, 2018 | Resolved | No |
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.062 mg/L, federal limit 0.06 mg/L (at or just above the limit)
|
220 | Oct 1, 2017 | Resolved | No |
|
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
120 | Oct 1, 2017 | Resolved | Yes |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment technique failure
|
120 | Jun 1, 2017 | Resolved | No |
Monitoring and reporting issues
Since October 2016Missed tests or reports, not contaminants found above a limit.
| Issue | Start date | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2024 | Resolved |
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring and reporting
|
Dec 28, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Nov 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Nov 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Oct 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Oct 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Sep 29, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Sep 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Sep 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Aug 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Aug 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Jul 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jun 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Jun 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
May 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
May 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Apr 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Apr 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Mar 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Mar 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Mar 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Feb 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Feb 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Styrene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Toluene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Benzene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Nitrate
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2023 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Dec 1, 2022 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Dec 1, 2022 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Nov 1, 2022 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring violation
|
Nov 1, 2022 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2022 | Resolved |
|
Public Notice
OTHER
|
Aug 18, 2021 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2021 | Resolved |
|
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2021 |
Archived
Violation period ended. EPA no longer counts it toward current compliance, but no fix was formally recorded.
|
|
Consumer Confidence Rule
OTHER
|
Jul 1, 2021 | Resolved |
|
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Apr 1, 2021 | Resolved |
|
Fluoride
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2021 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2021 | Resolved |
|
1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2020 | Resolved |
|
ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2020 | Resolved |
|
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2020 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
May 1, 2019 | Resolved |
|
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
May 1, 2019 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2019 | Resolved |
|
Public Notice
OTHER
|
Mar 3, 2018 |
Active
Enforcement action in place
|
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Nov 1, 2017 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Oct 1, 2017 | Resolved |
|
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Sep 1, 2017 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2017 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2017 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jan 1, 2017 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2016 | Resolved |
|
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring and reporting
|
Jul 1, 2016 | Resolved |
Full record since 1980
EPA's records for Trenton Water Works go back to 1980. Before October 19, 2016 they list 15 health-based violations (15 resolved) and 25 monitoring or reporting violations.
| Violations that began in | Health-based | Monitoring and reporting |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 0 | 8 |
| 2000s | 10 | 4 |
| 2010 to October 18, 2016 | 5 | 13 |
| October 19, 2016 to 2019 | 15 | 10 |
| 2020s | 5 | 67 |
Most recent health-based violation before October 19, 2016: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), began April 2013, Resolved.
Show all 15 health-based violations before October 19, 2016
| Contaminant | Start date | Status |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.082 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (at or just above the limit)
|
Apr 1, 2013 | Resolved |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.095 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (1.2 times the limit)
|
Jan 1, 2013 | Resolved |
|
CARBON, TOTAL
Treatment technique failure
|
Jan 1, 2010 | Resolved |
|
CARBON, TOTAL
Treatment technique failure
|
Jan 1, 2010 | Resolved |
|
CARBON, TOTAL
Treatment technique failure
|
Jan 1, 2010 | Resolved |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 82 µg/L, federal limit 80 µg/L (at or just above the limit)
|
Jul 1, 2009 | Resolved |
|
CARBON, TOTAL
Treatment technique failure
|
Apr 1, 2009 | Resolved |
|
CARBON, TOTAL
Treatment technique failure
|
Jan 1, 2009 | Resolved |
|
CARBON, TOTAL
Treatment technique failure
|
Oct 1, 2008 | Resolved |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 81.5 µg/L, federal limit 80 µg/L (at or just above the limit)
|
Jan 1, 2005 | Resolved |
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 67.8 µg/L, federal limit 60 µg/L (1.1 times the limit)
|
Apr 1, 2004 | Resolved |
|
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 66.3 µg/L, federal limit 60 µg/L (1.1 times the limit)
|
Jan 1, 2004 | Resolved |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.081 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (at or just above the limit)
|
Apr 1, 2003 | Resolved |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.087 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (1.1 times the limit)
|
Jul 1, 2002 | Resolved |
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Contaminant limit exceeded
Measured 0.103 mg/L, federal limit 0.08 mg/L (1.3 times the limit)
|
Apr 1, 2002 | Resolved |
Enforcement actions
New Jersey regulators took 4 formal enforcement actions against Trenton Water Works between 2018 and 2024. The most recent was a compliance order with a penalty in September 2024.
| Date | By | Action | Violations covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 30, 2024 | New Jersey | Compliance order with a penalty | 28 violations: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Lead and Copper Rule |
| Jun 15, 2020 | New Jersey | Civil case filed in court | 1 violation (1 health-based): Lead and Copper Rule |
| Jul 26, 2018 | New Jersey | Compliance order (no penalty) | 3 violations (2 health-based): Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule |
| May 9, 2018 | New Jersey | Compliance order with a penalty | 2 violations (1 health-based): Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule |
What the violations mean
Lead and Copper Rule
7 incidentsThe system did not complete a treatment step or action that the Lead and Copper Rule requires (a treatment technique violation).
The utility had to notify customers about each of these violations.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
5 incidentsDisinfection byproduct levels exceeded the federal limit
Long-term TTHM exposure may increase bladder cancer risk
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
4 incidentsHaloacetic acid byproducts exceeded the federal limit
Long-term exposure to HAAs may increase cancer risk
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
2 incidentsThe system did not meet a filtration or treatment requirement for surface water
Inadequate treatment of surface water can let pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia through
Surface Water Treatment Rule
2 incidentsThe system did not complete a treatment step or action that the Surface Water Treatment Rule requires (a treatment technique violation).
The utility had to notify customers about each of these violations.
Where the water comes from
Trenton Water Works draws water from 1 surface water intake. It also buys water from Aqua NJ - Hamilton Square. 2 other public water systems have emergency, seasonal or other part-time connections to Trenton Water Works.
Buys water from
- Aqua NJ - Hamilton Square Hamilton, NJ
Annual water quality report
Trenton Water Works must give its customers an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report) by July 1, with the levels its tests found in the previous year.
Systems serving 10,000 or more people must mail or deliver the report to every customer, and from 2027 they must send it twice a year.
Find a posted report with EPA's Consumer Confidence Report search
Testing your own water
To test the water at your tap, or a private well this record does not cover, use a laboratory certified for drinking water by New Jersey.
Certified drinking water labs by state EPA guidance for private wells