New Jersey Water Quality at a Glance
second-worst in US
Is New Jersey Water Safe to Drink?
Second-Worst Water Quality in the US — But Record Accountability — New Jersey ranks second nationally for PFAS contamination, with PFAS detected in 63% of water systems serving 84% of the population. Over 2,200 private wells exceed safe PFAS limits. However, 2025 brought landmark legal victories: New Jersey secured a $450 million settlement with 3M in May 2025 and a historic $2 billion settlement with DuPont entities in August 2025 — together with a 2023 Solvay settlement, the state has now recovered over $3 billion, the largest PFAS recovery by any single state in US history. Other major concerns include arsenic affecting 62.4% of untreated wells, lead in aging infrastructure, and disproportionate impacts on communities of colour.
⚠️ Key Concerns for New Jersey Residents
- PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: 7.8M residents exposed; 2,200+ private wells exceed safe limits; NJ was first state to regulate PFAS; $3 billion+ in settlements from 3M, DuPont, and Solvay now funding remediation
- Environmental Justice Crisis: 92% of Hispanic, 94% of Black, and 95% of Asian populations served by water systems where PFAS were detected
- Arsenic Contamination: 62.4% of untreated wells exceed safe levels; 71% of tested homes had malfunctioning filtration systems releasing arsenic (Rutgers, July 2024)
- Industrial Legacy: Highest density of Superfund hazardous waste sites per square mile in the US; PFAS foam ban fully in effect from January 2026; new DEP remediation site testing rules proposed March 2025
Read the full 2026 report below for detailed analysis, city-specific data, and actionable recommendations for New Jersey residents.
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New Jersey – The Garden State – Water Quality Report 2026: Record PFAS Settlements, Infrastructure Progress & Safety across the State
New Jersey’s water infrastructure serves approximately 9.2 million residents across the nation’s most densely populated state, from the Hudson River corridor in the north to the Delaware Bay in the south. The state operates through a network of over 600 public water systems, ranging from large utilities like New Jersey American Water, which serves 2.7 million customers, to smaller municipal systems like Newark’s Water and Sewer Utilities serving over 400,000 residents. New Jersey’s water sources include the Delaware River, Raritan River system, and numerous reservoirs and groundwater aquifers. Around 1.1 million residents rely on private wells, with over 2,200 exceeding safe PFAS limits as of 2025. Check our live boil water notices tracker for any active alerts affecting New Jersey communities.
Despite its reputation as the Garden State, New Jersey faces PFAS contamination challenges that rank among the most severe in the nation — but 2025 brought an extraordinary series of legal victories. In May 2025, New Jersey settled its lawsuit against 3M for up to $450 million for contamination linked to the Chambers Works facility and statewide PFAS claims — at the time the largest PFAS settlement in state history. Just three months later, in August 2025, Attorney General Matthew Platkin and DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced a groundbreaking $2 billion settlement with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva — the largest environmental settlement ever achieved by a single state — covering four major NJ industrial sites and statewide PFAS contamination. Combined with the 2023 Solvay settlement worth $393 million, New Jersey has now recovered over $3 billion from PFAS polluters. New Jersey was also the first state in the nation to go to trial on PFAS contamination claims. For guidance on protecting your household’s water in the meantime, visit our water filter solutions page. Additional federal funds through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA PFAS OUT programme add further resources for system upgrades and treatment. New Jersey’s pioneering PFAS regulation and record legal accountability position it as a national model — even as contamination remains widespread and remediation will take years to deliver results.
New Jersey Water Quality: Current Status (2025–2026)
Statewide Compliance and Testing
- Overall Compliance: Most of New Jersey’s 600+ public water systems meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, though the state faces the nation’s second-highest PFAS contamination levels, with PFAS detected in 63% of water systems serving 84% of the state’s population. Over 2,200 private wells exceed safe PFAS limits. You can check contaminant data for your area in our national water quality database.
- PFAS Regulatory Leadership: New Jersey was the first state to establish Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFAS — setting standards of 14 ppt for PFOA, 13 ppt for PFOS, and 13 ppt for PFNA — before any federal standard existed. In January 2026, a complete prohibition on the sale, manufacture, and use of Class B firefighting foams containing intentionally added PFAS came into full effect. In March 2025, NJDEP proposed new rules adding PFAS to mandatory contaminant testing requirements at remediation sites statewide.
- Record Legal Accountability: New Jersey has now recovered over $3 billion from PFAS polluters — more than any other state in US history. This includes the $450 million 3M settlement (May 2025), the $2 billion DuPont/Chemours/Corteva settlement (August 2025), and the $393 million Solvay settlement (2023). In addition, the nationwide 3M public water system settlement is expected to deliver a further $300–500 million directly to New Jersey public water systems.
Major Water Sources and Challenges
- Delaware River System: Primary source for southern New Jersey communities, facing ongoing monitoring for industrial legacy contamination — particularly from the Chambers Works facility in Salem County, one of the most contaminated sites in the state. The $2 billion DuPont settlement includes full remediation of this site at DuPont’s cost. Monitor emergency notices via our boil water tracker.
- Raritan River Basin: Serves central New Jersey including key industrial areas, with documented PFAS contamination at facilities like the Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant requiring ongoing pilot treatment programmes.
- Infrastructure Disparities: While major utilities like New Jersey American Water invest over $520 million annually in upgrades, smaller municipal systems face significant challenges meeting new federal PFAS compliance deadlines. The state’s Infrastructure Bank has facilitated over $7.6 billion in water investments since 1987, saving ratepayers $2.76 billion in financing costs.
Federal Regulatory Context 2025–2026
- EPA PFOA/PFOS MCLs Retained: In May 2025, the EPA confirmed it will retain 4 ppt MCLs for PFOA and PFOS, extending the federal compliance deadline from 2029 to 2031. New Jersey’s own stricter state MCLs (14 ppt PFOA, 13 ppt PFOS) remain fully enforceable — providing stronger protection than the federal baseline. Stay current with regulatory changes on our water alert news page.
- Other PFAS MCLs Under Reconsideration: The EPA announced intent to rescind federal MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a Hazard Index mixture. New Jersey’s state-level standards for its four regulated PFAS compounds remain in force regardless of federal changes, maintaining strong protections for Garden State residents.
- Mandatory Monitoring Deadline: Public water systems nationwide must complete initial PFAS monitoring and report results to consumers by April 2027 under the retained federal rule.
Environmental Justice and Community Response
- Disproportionate Impact: Research confirms communities of colour face higher PFAS contamination levels in New Jersey, with 92% of Hispanic, 94% of Black, and 95% of Asian populations served by water systems where PFAS were detected.
- Federal and Settlement Funding: Nearly 50% of infrastructure funds are directed to disadvantaged communities. Settlement funds from the 3M and DuPont deals are earmarked for drinking water treatment, abatement projects, and natural resource restoration across the state, with priority for the most affected areas.
- Lead Service Line Progress: Cities like Newark have emerged as national models for lead pipe replacement, having replaced over 23,000 lead service lines. Ongoing federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports further statewide lead line replacement.
Looking Forward: 2026–2031
New Jersey’s water quality landscape is being reshaped by the largest PFAS legal recovery in US history. The combined settlements with 3M, DuPont/Chemours/Corteva, and Solvay — totalling over $3 billion — will flow into drinking water treatment upgrades, site remediation, and natural resource restoration over the coming years. The DuPont settlement alone includes a $1.2 billion cleanup fund and $875 million in damages, all paid by DuPont over 25 years with taxpayers protected if companies default. The state’s PFAS Class B firefighting foam ban, fully in effect from January 2026, prevents future contamination at this key source. Utilities are meanwhile preparing for the extended 2031 federal PFAS compliance deadline. For households with known PFAS contamination, immediate action through certified reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration is recommended — visit our water filter solutions page for options suited to New Jersey’s contaminant profile. See our water alert news page for ongoing developments.
Recommendations for New Jersey Residents
Know Your Water Source
Contact your water utility to request annual water quality reports and ask about PFAS testing results. Visit NJDEP’s online database to access your local system’s testing data. Private well owners should test for PFAS, arsenic, and lead — over 2,200 NJ wells currently exceed safe PFAS limits. If your well tests above state limits, you may be eligible to file a Spill Fund claim through the DEP website for treatment system assistance. Use our water quality database to check contaminants in your area.
Support Infrastructure Investment
Stay informed about how the record $3 billion in PFAS settlement funds will be directed to treatment upgrades and site remediation in your community. Attend public meetings when utilities discuss PFAS treatment and lead service line replacement. The DuPont settlement includes a $1.2 billion cleanup fund specifically to ensure taxpayers don’t bear the remediation cost. Read the latest on our water alert news page.
Consider PFAS-Certified Filtration
For households in areas with known PFAS contamination, NSF-certified reverse osmosis systems offer the most comprehensive protection, removing PFOA, PFOS, and a broad spectrum of other PFAS. Granular activated carbon is also effective for many PFAS types. A July 2024 Rutgers study found that 71% of tested NJ homes had malfunctioning filtration systems that were actually releasing arsenic — make sure any installed system is regularly maintained and tested. See our water filter solutions page for PFAS-tested recommendations.
Report Water Quality Concerns
Contact your local water utility immediately for taste, odour, or colour concerns. Report suspected contamination to NJDEP’s Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at (609) 292-5550 for investigation and follow-up. Private well owners with PFAS above state limits can file a Spill Fund claim through the NJDEP website to access funding for treatment system installation. Monitor active alerts across New Jersey on our live boil water notices tracker.
Practice Water Conservation
Support New Jersey’s water sustainability by implementing conservation measures like efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and low-flow fixtures. Reducing demand helps utilities manage the immense cost of PFAS treatment upgrades during infrastructure transitions. The state’s total PFAS remediation investment now exceeds $3 billion — conservation helps protect the long-term affordability of clean water. Read more on our water news page.
New Jersey Cities We Cover
Jersey City Water Quality
Comprehensive analysis of Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority systems, serving one of New Jersey’s largest urban centres. Includes information on water sources, PFAS monitoring, infrastructure agreements with federal agencies, environmental justice considerations, and impacts from the surrounding Hudson River corridor industrial legacy.
Newark Water Quality
Detailed assessment of Newark’s Water and Sewer Utilities, serving over 400,000 residents with 80 million gallons daily. Covers the nationally recognised lead service line replacement programme (23,000+ pipes replaced), water treatment upgrades, PFAS monitoring, and compliance with New Jersey’s strict state drinking water standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Jersey’s tap water safe to drink?
Most of New Jersey’s public water systems meet federal and state drinking water standards and are safe for consumption under regulatory definitions. However, the state has the second-highest PFAS contamination levels in the nation, with PFAS detected in 63% of water systems serving 84% of the population.
NJDEP requires comprehensive testing across all 600+ public water systems. Over 2,200 private wells exceed safe PFAS limits, and a July 2024 Rutgers study found that 71% of tested NJ homes had malfunctioning filtration systems that were releasing arsenic rather than removing it. Residents should review their utility’s annual Consumer Confidence Report, check the water quality database, and consider NSF-certified filtration — especially for PFAS, arsenic, and lead. Private well owners above state limits may qualify for financial assistance through the NJDEP Spill Fund.
What happened with New Jersey’s landmark PFAS settlements in 2025?
New Jersey achieved two historic PFAS legal victories in 2025, becoming the first state in US history to go to trial on PFAS contamination claims.
In May 2025, 3M agreed to pay up to $450 million — at the time the largest PFAS settlement in state history — to resolve claims related to the Chambers Works facility and statewide contamination, payable over 25 years. Three months later, in August 2025, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to a $2 billion settlement covering four NJ industrial sites (Chambers Works, Parlin, Pompton Lakes Works, and Repauno) plus statewide PFAS claims. The DuPont deal includes $875 million in damages to the state and a $1.2 billion cleanup fund with no cap on remediation costs — taxpayers are protected if companies default. Combined with the 2023 Solvay settlement ($393 million) and the nationwide 3M water system settlement (projected $300–500 million to NJ utilities), New Jersey has secured over $3 billion — the largest PFAS recovery by any single state in history. Follow our water alert news page for settlement implementation updates.
How can I find out about my local water quality?
New Jersey residents can access comprehensive water quality information through several resources:
• Annual Consumer Confidence Reports: Contact your water utility directly for their annual report, which details all testing results including PFAS data and any violations
• NJDEP Database: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection makes all public water system testing results publicly available online, including statewide PFAS monitoring data begun in 2019
• Our Water Quality Database: Use our national water quality tool to check contaminants detected in your local system
• Private Well Testing: Around 1.1 million NJ residents rely on private wells. Test for PFAS, arsenic, lead, and nitrates — if results exceed state limits, file a Spill Fund claim with NJDEP for treatment system funding
What is New Jersey doing about water infrastructure challenges?
New Jersey is taking the most aggressive action of any US state to address water contamination challenges:
Record Legal Recovery: Over $3 billion recovered from PFAS polluters — 3M ($450M), DuPont/Chemours/Corteva ($2B), and Solvay ($393M) — the largest total PFAS recovery by a single state in US history. All funds are earmarked for cleanup and drinking water treatment.
Regulatory Leadership: First state to establish enforceable PFAS drinking water MCLs. January 2026 PFAS firefighting foam ban eliminates a major future contamination source. New NJDEP rules proposed in March 2025 will require PFAS testing at remediation sites statewide.
Federal Investment: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, combined with EPA PFAS OUT programme technical assistance, supports utilities in meeting PFAS treatment requirements ahead of the 2031 compliance deadline.
Environmental Justice Focus: Nearly 50% of infrastructure funding directed to disadvantaged communities. The NJ Infrastructure Bank has facilitated over $7.6 billion in water investments since 1987.
Quality News About Your Water
Get the comprehensive water quality news coverage you need with our dedicated US Water News Service. From coast to coast, we deliver in-depth reporting and expert analysis on PFAS contamination, EPA regulatory changes, infrastructure developments, and emerging water safety issues affecting communities nationwide. While mainstream media only covers the biggest stories, we provide the detailed, ongoing coverage that helps you understand the full scope of America’s water challenges.
What’s actually in your tap water? Enter your ZIP code for a full breakdown of contaminants detected in your local supply
Drinking water from a well? Check our directory here for more information
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
Source: Industrial manufacturing at sites including Chambers Works (Salem County), Parlin, Pompton Lakes Works, and Repauno; military installations using firefighting foam; consumer products including non-stick cookware and stain-resistant textiles. A complete PFAS firefighting foam ban came into effect in January 2026.
Health Effects: Linked to kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, reproductive issues, and developmental effects in children. The EPA confirmed in 2025 that PFOA is likely carcinogenic to humans following review of over 780 studies.
Current Status: PFAS detected in 63% of NJ water systems serving 84% of the population; 2,200+ private wells above safe limits. NJ state MCLs of 14 ppt (PFOA), 13 ppt (PFOS), and 13 ppt (PFNA) remain fully enforceable. Over $3 billion in settlements from 3M, DuPont/Chemours/Corteva, and Solvay now funding remediation. For PFAS-certified filter recommendations, see our solutions page.
Legacy Industrial Contaminants
Source: Decades of chemical manufacturing, textile production, pharmaceutical facilities, and waste disposal across New Jersey’s industrial corridor. New Jersey has the highest density of Superfund hazardous waste sites per square mile in the US. Arsenic contamination affects 62.4% of untreated wells; a July 2024 Rutgers study found 71% of tested homes had malfunctioning filtration systems releasing arsenic into drinking water.
Health Effects: Arsenic is linked to bladder, lung, skin, kidney, and liver cancers. Lead causes neurological harm particularly in children. Chlorinated solvents including trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene — found at sites like Pompton Lakes Works — are associated with cancer and organ damage from prolonged exposure.
Current Status: Ongoing monitoring and remediation at identified Superfund and PFAS industrial sites. The $2 billion DuPont settlement covers full remediation of four key sites with no cost cap, protecting taxpayers. NJDEP’s March 2025 proposed rules will expand PFAS testing requirements at remediation sites statewide. See our water quality database for regional data and our filter solutions page for treatment options addressing arsenic and lead alongside PFAS.
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