New Jersey tap water is generally safe to drink, regulated by stringent state standards that often exceed federal requirements. Safety is not uniform, depending heavily on whether the water comes from a municipal system or a private well, and the age of the local plumbing infrastructure. While water leaving the treatment plant is clean, localized issues like aging pipes or regional contaminants can affect quality at the tap. Understanding the regulatory framework and local resources helps residents determine their specific water safety profile.
How New Jersey Water Safety is Regulated
The safety of New Jersey’s public drinking water systems begins with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This act grants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set nationwide standards. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) takes primary responsibility for enforcing these regulations. The NJDEP must ensure its rules are at least as protective of public health as the federal standards.
The NJDEP frequently adopts Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) that are stricter than the federal baseline, establishing the state as a regulatory leader. This proactive approach often addresses emerging contaminants before the EPA finalizes a national rule, offering an extra layer of protection. The state’s Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI), an advisory panel of experts, provides recommendations to the NJDEP to support the creation of these state-specific standards.
Key Contaminants Monitored in New Jersey
Lead is a persistent concern in older communities. It rarely originates in source water but enters drinking water from aging infrastructure, such as service lines and household plumbing. Lead service lines, which connect the water main to a home, remain a significant risk, especially in pre-1980s homes. New Jersey enacted a law in 2021 requiring all water systems to identify and replace all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031.
New Jersey has taken a leading role in regulating Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” which are linked to various health issues. The state was one of the first to establish its own MCLs for specific PFAS compounds. These include 14 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA, 13 ppt for PFOS, and 13 ppt for PFNA. These strict, state-mandated limits highlight the NJDEP’s effort to proactively address contaminants of emerging concern.
Nitrates primarily affect agricultural areas and private wells due to fertilizer runoff and septic system discharge. The federal and state MCL for nitrate is 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L). High levels can cause methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” in infants. Private well owners must perform their own testing and are more susceptible to nitrate contamination, particularly if wells are shallow or near farming activities.
Navigating Local Water Quality Reports
Residents who receive water from a public supplier can find specific water quality data in their annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This document summarizes the water source, any contaminants detected, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Public water systems must make this report available to all customers by July 1st each year.
The CCR is typically accessible on the local water utility’s website or through the NJDEP’s online resources, which maintain a database of public water system information. Reviewing this report is the most direct way to understand the quality of the water delivered to a property. However, the CCR only reports on water quality as it leaves the treatment plant or major distribution lines, not the quality at the consumer’s tap.
Approximately 13% of New Jersey residents rely on private wells, meaning the responsibility for testing and safety falls entirely on the homeowner. Private wells are not covered by public CCRs and are more vulnerable to localized contaminants like nitrates or bacteria. The state’s Private Well Testing Act requires testing for a suite of contaminants, including arsenic, nitrates, and PFAS, during real estate transactions or when rental properties are leased.
Steps to Increase Tap Water Safety at Home
To reduce the risk of lead exposure, residents in older homes should flush their cold water tap for thirty seconds to two minutes after the water has been stagnant. This action clears water that may have been sitting in the home’s plumbing or service lines. Using only cold water for drinking and cooking is also recommended, as hot water can dissolve lead and other metals from pipes more readily.
Homeowners with private wells, or those concerned about an aging municipal service line, should consider third-party testing by a certified laboratory. Testing provides a definitive measure of contaminants at the tap, offering a personalized safety assessment beyond general CCR data. The NJDEP maintains a list of certified labs for reliable testing of specific contaminants like lead, nitrates, and PFAS.
Various home filtration systems can significantly improve water quality for long-term peace of mind. Granular activated carbon filters, found in pitcher filters and faucet mounts, are effective at reducing the taste of chlorine and removing many organic chemicals, including some PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis systems, typically installed under the sink, offer the highest level of purification. They force water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove a broad range of contaminants, including lead, nitrates, and most PFAS.