New Jersey Water Quality

Overall, New Jersey’s water quality meets or surpasses federal standards, but specific areas face significant contamination challenges, particularly from lead and “forever chemicals” (PFAS). Concerns also exist regarding aging infrastructure and environmental justice issues in certain communities.

Key water quality concerns

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): New Jersey is considered one of the top states for PFAS contamination, which is linked to cancer and other health problems.
  • Contamination sources: Decades of industrial activity, military bases, and landfills have led to widespread PFAS contamination in groundwater and surface water.
  • Remediation efforts: In May and August of 2025, New Jersey settled lawsuits against chemical manufacturers 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva to fund PFAS removal and control efforts statewide.
  • Enforcement: The state was the first to adopt maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for certain PFAS compounds. These enforceable regulations went into effect for public water systems in April 2024, following a 2021 law.
• Lead in drinking water: Many older homes, particularly in urban areas, still have lead service lines.
  • Replacement mandate: A 2021 state law requires all water providers to replace all lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031.
  • Ongoing projects: The state is actively working to identify and replace these lines, with recent federal funding being allocated to 10 municipalities.
• Arsenic: A naturally occurring toxic element found in some groundwater can pose a risk, especially for private well owners who may not test their water regularly. In 2024, a Rutgers study also found that certain filtration systems might be releasing arsenic into drinking water.
• Environmental justice: A 2024 study showed that communities with a higher proportion of people of color were more likely to have PFAS detections in their drinking water. The new standards and remediation efforts aim to address this disparity.
• Aging infrastructure: Several water systems, including Trenton Water Works, face challenges with aging infrastructure, chronic maintenance issues, and potential system failures. Rising sea levels are also leading to saltwater intrusion in some river-based water sources.