Public water systems across New Jersey are subject to rigorous oversight and generally deliver water that meets federal health standards. However, the safety of the water is not uniform, especially when considering the state’s aging infrastructure and the prevalence of certain localized contaminants. Residents must look beyond a simple yes or no to understand the specific risks in their municipality or on their property, recognizing that localized issues and private well ownership introduce unique challenges.
The Regulatory Framework for Safety
The safety of public drinking water in New Jersey begins with a dual system of regulation that sets stringent standards. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act establishes a national baseline for water quality, enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This framework mandates that public water systems regularly test for hundreds of contaminants and maintain levels below established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
New Jersey goes a step further by granting the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) the authority to adopt its own state-specific standards. The NJDEP frequently sets MCLs that are more protective than the federal requirements, particularly for contaminants considered a greater threat to the state’s water sources. This state-level enforcement includes compliance monitoring and legal action for any system that exceeds the established limits.
Public water systems are legally bound to comply with these state and federal regulations, which involves continuous monitoring and reporting of water quality data. The regulatory goal is to ensure that the water leaving the treatment plant is safe, though the water’s quality can change once it enters the aging distribution system.
Specific Contaminants Affecting New Jersey
One of the most significant threats to water quality in New Jersey is the presence of lead service lines. While water is treated to be lead-free at the source, the metal leaches into drinking water from pipes and plumbing fixtures, particularly in older homes. The state has an estimated 350,000 lead service lines, and in 2021, enacted a law requiring all water systems to identify and replace these lines by 2031.
New Jersey has also taken a proactive stance against Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” due to their persistence in the environment. The state became one of the first in the nation to adopt its own MCLs for three specific PFAS compounds: PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA. These chemicals are frequently detected, with one study finding PFAS in 63% of the state’s public water systems between 2019 and 2021.
Other persistent contaminants include nitrates and naturally occurring elements like arsenic. Nitrates primarily enter the water supply through agricultural runoff and septic systems, posing a particular risk to pregnant women and infants. Arsenic is a common concern in the bedrock of central and northern New Jersey, which is especially relevant for residents who rely on private well water.
Accessing Local Water Quality Reports
For residents served by a public water system, the primary tool for checking local quality is the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Public water utilities are legally required to produce and distribute this report to customers every year, typically by July 1st. The CCR details the detected levels of regulated contaminants in the local supply and compares them to the established MCLs.
These reports provide transparency by listing any violations, along with the potential health effects and steps the utility is taking to address the issues. You can usually find your CCR by searching your water utility’s website or by checking your annual mailings. Reviewing this document allows you to understand the specific substances found in your area.
For the population that relies on private wells, the responsibility for water quality testing falls entirely to the property owner. New Jersey’s Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) mandates testing for up to 43 parameters, including bacteria, nitrates, lead, and PFAS, whenever a property is sold or leased. This testing must be conducted by a NJDEP-certified laboratory to ensure accurate results.
Steps for Home Water Assurance
Residents who live in older homes with potential lead service lines or who have identified specific contaminants in their CCR may consider independent testing through a certified laboratory. This is especially true if you live in a home built before 1986, which may have lead plumbing. This specialized testing focuses on the water quality directly at your tap, which can be different from the quality leaving the treatment plant.
To reduce exposure, installing a filtration system is highly effective. Point-of-use filters, such as those that attach to a faucet or are built into a pitcher, address specific concerns like lead. Whole-house systems treat all water entering the home and are often used to address widespread contaminants like PFAS or hard water issues.
When choosing a filter, look for certification from an organization like NSF International, specifically noting the standard the product meets. Filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 are verified to reduce health-related contaminants like lead. Reverse Osmosis systems certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 can be effective against nitrates and PFAS. Always adhere strictly to any temporary local water advisories, such as boil water notices, which are issued for immediate public safety concerns.