Water system
New Jersey American Water (Raritan)
What this means for you
- Is it safe to drink right now?
- Based on the latest EPA data, New Jersey American Water (Raritan) has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
- Should I use a filter?
- Yes, we recommend considering one. Average PFOA and PFOS was above the 4 ppt federal limit (compliance deadline April 2029).
- What kind of filter?
- For PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 53 (with an explicit PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS claim) or NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis. See matched standards and product picks.
This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.
PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5
| Chemical | Highest location average | Highest single sample | Federal limit | Detections/samples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 6.6 ppt | 7.5 ppt | 4 ppt | 8/18 |
| PFHxS | 3.6 ppt | 3.6 ppt | 10 ppt (proposed repeal) | 2/18 |
| PFPeA | 2.2 ppt | 4.3 ppt | none | 3/18 |
| PFOS | 6.1 ppt | 6.8 ppt | 4 ppt | 3/18 |
| PFHxA | 1.8 ppt | 3.6 ppt | none | 1/18 |
| PFBA | 3 ppt | 5.9 ppt | none | 2/18 |
2 PFAS tested and not detected
PFNA, HFPO-DA (18 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).
Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0.36 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).
Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.
Lithium (also tested in UCMR 5, not a PFAS; no federal limit): highest location average 33.5 ppb.
Lead and copper
Violations (last 5 years)
No violations reported since Oct 2021.
Filters matched to this water
Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.
PFOA
NSF/ANSI 53 (PFOA/PFOS claim)NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)PFAS (other)
NSF/ANSI 58 (RO, total PFAS claim)NSF/ANSI 53 (check claim)PFOS
NSF/ANSI 53 (PFOA/PFOS claim)NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)Chlorine/chloramine taste
NSF/ANSI 42Annual water quality report
Read New Jersey American Water (Raritan)’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — the utility’s own annual water quality report.