Water Quality in Trenton, NJ

Trenton's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 27 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Trenton Water Works · Source: Delaware River · Serves 90,871 residents

27
Hardness (PPM)
83
TDS (PPM)
1.3
Chlorine (mg/L)
3
PFAS (ppt)
5
Lead (ppb)
27 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 27 PPM TDS 83 PPM PFAS 3 ppt Lead 5 ppb Chlorine 1.3 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Trenton Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Generally good quality

Trenton's Delaware River water is soft. The utility is one of the oldest in the country.

What Trenton's Water Means for Your Home

Trenton's water is slightly hard at 27 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Trenton, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Trenton's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.3 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)27 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids83 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)3 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead5 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.3 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Trenton's Water Supply

Water Utility: Trenton Water Works

Water Source: Delaware River

Population Served: 90,871

Hardness: 27 PPM (1.6 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Trenton Water Works. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Trenton to Other New Jersey Cities

Newark

30 PPM · Slightly Hard

Jersey City

39 PPM · Slightly Hard

Paterson

41 PPM · Slightly Hard

Elizabeth

64 PPM · Moderately Hard

Hoboken

61 PPM · Moderately Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Trenton Water

Is Trenton tap water safe to drink?
Trenton's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Trenton?
No. At 27 PPM, Trenton's water is very soft. A water softener would provide no benefit here. Focus on filtration if you have specific contaminant concerns.
What water filter is best for Trenton?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Trenton's water come from?
Trenton's drinking water is sourced from Delaware River and treated by Trenton Water Works. Trenton's Delaware River water is soft. The utility is one of the oldest in the country.
What is the hardness of Trenton water in grains per gallon?
Trenton's water hardness is 1.6 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 27 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Trenton water damage tankless water heaters?
At 1.6 GPG, Trenton's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Trenton water safe for babies and infants?
Trenton's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Trenton Water Works Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.