Morristown's water comes from a blend of surface water drawn from the Clyde Potts Reservoir and groundwater sourced from the glacial sand and gravel aquifer and the Brunswick aquifer. The system also purchases finished water from neighboring utilities. Treatment includes membrane filtration, granular activated carbon adsorption, chlorine disinfection, and corrosion control—a multi-barrier approach designed to address contaminants at the source level.

The 2024 data reveals several contaminants of concern. PFAS ("Forever Chemicals") are present at levels that exceed federal limits: PFOA measures 9.9 ppt (roughly 248% of the EPA MCL, or Maximum Contaminant Level—the legally enforceable upper limit), and PFOS reaches 5.1 ppt (128% of the MCL). These chemicals, used in industrial applications and some consumer products, persist indefinitely in the environment and in the human body. Additionally, manganese, a naturally occurring mineral, is elevated at 120 ppb (240% of the EPA limit), and total dissolved solids (TDS)—a measure of overall mineral content—reaches 690 ppm (138% of the limit). These elevated mineral levels are attributed to road de-icing salt use in the region.

Morristown's water is not fluoridated. While fluoride is added to some municipal water supplies to support dental health, this community receives no fluoridation treatment.

Among the most common and concerning contaminants in tap water are heavy metals, including Lead, Arsenic, Chromium, Mercury and Cadmium.  So harmful are these toxic substances that the EPA limits their presence in tap water to between two and one hundred parts per billion — equivalent to one drop in a large hot tub.

Heavy Metals in Morristown

In Morristown, the following heavy metals were detected in the tap water supply:

• Copper was detected at 25.4% of the EPA limit (0.33 mg/L (ppm)).
• Lead was detected at 13.0% of the EPA limit (1.3 μg/L (ppb)).
• Barium was detected at a trace level (0.12 mg/L (ppm)).
• Chromium was detected at a trace level (2.3 μg/L (ppb)).
• Nickel was detected at a trace level (1.4 μg/L (ppb)).

Not to be outdone by nature, man has created nearly indestructible “Forever Chemicals” or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).  In the 1930s, chemists bonded Carbon to Fluorine, creating non-stick pans, water-resistant clothing, and industrial fire retardant.  But the legacy is persistent contamination that the human body cannot break down.

PFAS in Morristown

Morristown's tap water exceeded the 2024 EPA PFAS limits for 2 compounds, which was a key contributing factor toward the grade.

The 2024 EPA PFAS limits are not yet fully enforced, but reflect the latest science on long-term health risk. PFAS have been linked to immune dysfunction, elevated cholesterol, developmental issues in children, and increased cancer risk.

The following additional contaminants were detected in Morristown's water supply:

• Manganese: 120.0 mg/L (ppm) — exceeded its EPA limit.
• TDS: 690.0 mg/L (ppm) — exceeded its EPA limit.
• Chloride: 240.0 mg/L (ppm) — was detected at 96.0% of its limit.
• Sodium: 64.0 mg/L (ppm) — was detected at 64.0% of its limit.
• Total Trihalomethanes: 46.5 μg/L (ppb) — was detected at 58.1% of its limit.
• Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): 34.5 μg/L (ppb) — was detected at 57.5% of its limit.
• Radium: 2.7 pCi/L — was detected at 54.0% of its limit.
• Nitrate: 3.9 mg/L (ppm) — was detected at 39.0% of its limit.
• Chlorine (Cl2): 1.52 mg/L (ppm) — was detected at 38.0% of its limit.
• Uranium: 3.9 μg/L (ppb) — was detected at 13.0% of its limit.
• Turbidity: 0.07 NTU — was detected at 7.0% of its limit.

Think of pure H&sub2;O as nature’s masterpiece.  Adding contaminants diminishes its quality. The more toxic the contaminant, in greater quantity, the lower the grade.  Multiple contaminants compound the effect.  Water containing both lead and arsenic, for example, would grade worse than either alone.

In Morristown’s case, the following factors drove the grade:

Morristown's tap water grade of C- places it in the middle of the Morris County distribution (ranked 15 of 39). Chatham Borough received the best grade in the county (A- — Excellent).

Note: Grade reflects tap water quality — not the performance of the water supplier.  Others may reach different conclusions.

Recommended with Reservations

Pitcher

Cost:Moderate Install:None Maint:Low

PFAS in your water exceeds 2024 EPA limits. You need an NSF/ANSI 473-certified pitcher specifically — most standard pitchers do not remove PFAS.

Recommended with Reservations

Under-Sink – Targeted

Cost:Medium Install:Medium Maint:Modest

PFAS exceeds EPA limits. If RO is not feasible, use NSF/ANSI 473-certified under-sink filter. RO is the preferred choice.

Strongly Recommended

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Cost:Substantial Install:Substantial Maint:Substantial

PFAS in your water exceeds 2024 EPA limits. RO removes over 95% of PFAS compounds. Requires remineralization and UV stages.

Verify certifications at nsf.org/certified-products before purchasing. Click any card for a detailed buying guide matched to your water profile.

1. Relatively recent discoveries that even miniscule PPT (parts per trillion) levels of PFAS are harmful have created a very challenging situation for water suppliers as they work toward compliance.
2. Our grading system relates to local tap water quality, not the supplier of that water.
3. The influence of contaminants on health generally relates to chronic, long-term effects, not acute or immediate effects.  We make no claims, positive or negative, regarding tap water safety.
4. The information contained in this report is our opinion only. Conclusions may not reflect the views of our advisors.
5. For additional tap water information, check with your water provider or municipality.
6. Please contact TownWaterCheck for any errors or omissions.
7. For consistency, we use EPA limits throughout, and the internationally accepted 10 ppb limit for lead (not the EPA 15 ppb action level), as well as 2024 EPA PFAS levels.
8. Pro Tip: If using an under-sink filter, consider plumbing your refrigerator water line through it as well. Remove your current fridge filter (a sealing cap may be needed).