New Jersey Water Quality Report 2026
New Jersey tap water is use filtration based on our analysis of 8 water systems serving 1,240,478 residents. The average PurityMap score is 73.5/100 (Grade: C), which is 4.4 points below the national average.
- PFAS detected in 1 of 8 cities (12%). Forever chemicals require reverse osmosis filtration.
- 7 cities have lead at or above 5 ppb. Homes built before 1986 are at highest risk.
- 8 cities use chloramine or have elevated chlorine residuals. Standard Brita pitchers do not remove chloramine.
We recommend an under-sink reverse osmosis system for drinking water in PFAS-affected areas of New Jersey. RO removes 99%+ of PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. For hard water cities, add a whole-house softener.
Moderate
New Jersey is 4.4 points below the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 2.5 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.
Cities ranked by lowest score. Click any city for the full report and filter recommendations.
| Rank | City | Score | Hardness | Lead | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark | 63/100 | 3.5 GPG | 18.0 ppb | Lead (18.0 ppb) |
| 2 | Toms River | 67/100 | 2.5 GPG | 4.0 ppb | PFAS (3.5 ppt) |
| 3 | Jersey City | 69/100 | 3.2 GPG | 12.0 ppb | Lead (12.0 ppb) |
| 4 | Camden | 71/100 | 4.0 GPG | 10.0 ppb | Lead (10.0 ppb) |
| 5 | Trenton | 77/100 | 3.8 GPG | 8.0 ppb | Lead (8.0 ppb) |
| 6 | Paterson | 77/100 | 4.5 GPG | 8.5 ppb | Lead (8.5 ppb) |
| 7 | Elizabeth | 82/100 | 4.8 GPG | 7.5 ppb | Lead (7.5 ppb) |
| 8 | Clifton | 82/100 | 4.5 GPG | 7.0 ppb | Lead (7.0 ppb) |
How New Jersey's 8 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:
Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.
| City | Population | Score | Hardness | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 312K | 63/100 | 3.5 GPG | Lead |
| Jersey City | 292K | 69/100 | 3.2 GPG | Lead |
| Paterson | 145K | 77/100 | 4.5 GPG | Lead |
| Elizabeth | 137K | 82/100 | 4.8 GPG | Lead |
| Toms River | 95K | 67/100 | 2.5 GPG | PFAS |
| Trenton | 91K | 77/100 | 3.8 GPG | Lead |
| Clifton | 90K | 82/100 | 4.5 GPG | Lead |
| Camden | 77K | 71/100 | 4.0 GPG | Lead |
New Jersey generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 3.8 GPG (Moderate). Most residents do not need a softener.
PFAS have been detected in 1 of 8 cities (12%) in New Jersey. Highest: Toms River at 3.5 ppt. Affected: Toms River. A reverse osmosis filter is recommended. 5 cities have pending PFAS testing data.
7 cities in New Jersey have lead at or above 5 ppb. Highest: Newark at 18.0 ppb. No safe level of lead exists. Cities: Newark, Jersey City, Camden, Paterson, Trenton, Elizabeth, Clifton.
Where New Jersey gets its drinking water, based on 8 water systems.
| Source Type | Cities | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Water | 7 | 88% |
| Groundwater | 1 | 12% |
1 cities have PFAS. Reverse osmosis is the most effective solution.
| # | City | Pop. | Score | Hardness | Lead | PFAS | TDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark | 312K | 63/100 | 3.5 GPG (Soft) | 18.0 ppb | ❓ Pending | 125 ppm |
| 2 | Toms River | 95K | 67/100 | 2.5 GPG (Soft) | 4.0 ppb | ⚠️ Yes (3.5 ppt) | 110 ppm |
| 3 | Jersey City | 292K | 69/100 | 3.2 GPG (Soft) | 12.0 ppb | ❓ Pending | 115 ppm |
| 4 | Camden | 77K | 71/100 | 4.0 GPG (Moderate) | 10.0 ppb | ❓ Pending | 145 ppm |
| 5 | Trenton | 91K | 77/100 | 3.8 GPG (Moderate) | 8.0 ppb | ❓ Pending | 135 ppm |
| 6 | Paterson | 145K | 77/100 | 4.5 GPG (Moderate) | 8.5 ppb | ❓ Pending | 160 ppm |
| 7 | Elizabeth | 137K | 82/100 | 4.8 GPG (Moderate) | 7.5 ppb | ✅ No | 170 ppm |
| 8 | Clifton | 90K | 82/100 | 4.5 GPG (Moderate) | 7.0 ppb | ✅ No | 160 ppm |
New Jersey has 7 utilities. Major: Newark Department of Water and Sewer, Suez Water New Jersey, Passaic Valley Water Commission, New Jersey American Water, Trenton Water Works.
Sources: Pequannock Wanaque and Rockaway watersheds, Hackensack River and Catskill system, Passaic River, Raritan River, Delaware River.
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
- EWG Tap Water Database
- State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
- USGS regional water monitoring data
PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.
8 city water quality reports available for New Jersey.
Clifton Water Quality Report
Elizabeth Water Quality Report
Jersey City Water Quality Report
Newark Water Quality Report
Paterson Water Quality Report
Toms River Water Quality Report
Trenton Water Quality Report
Compare water quality reports across all 50 US states