New Jersey Guide

PFAS Contamination in New Jersey — What You Need to Know

New Jersey has some of the most significant PFAS contamination in the country. Here is where it has been found, what the state is doing about it, and how to protect your drinking water right now.

Last updated: April 2026 · By the PFASFilterGuide team

New Jersey PFAS Standard

13 ppt for PFNA, 14 ppt for PFOA, 13 ppt for PFOS

New Jersey has the strictest PFAS limits of any US state. The federal EPA standard is 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS (finalized April 2024). NJ set limits years before the federal rule and covers PFNA — a PFAS compound most states ignore.

Known Contamination Sites

These are publicly documented PFAS detections in New Jersey. This is not a complete list — new sites are found regularly as testing expands.

Location	Source	PFAS Level
Paulsboro / West Deptford	Solvay Specialty Polymers plant	PFNA levels 10-100x above state MCL
Hopatcong / Byram Township	Industrial discharge to Lake Hopatcong	PFOS above 13 ppt in multiple wells
Fayetteville / Burlington County	Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst	PFOS and PFOA above 70 ppt (old EPA advisory)
Pompton Lakes	DuPont munitions plant legacy	Multiple PFAS compounds detected in groundwater
Paramus / Bergen County	Fire training site AFFF runoff	PFOS above 13 ppt in nearby wells
Pennsauken	Multiple industrial sources	PFAS detected in public water supply

Military Base Contamination

AFFF firefighting foam used on military bases is one of the largest sources of PFAS groundwater contamination. The Department of Defense has identified these New Jersey bases:

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Active cleanup. AFFF contamination in groundwater. Affected communities receiving bottled water or alternative supply.

Naval Weapons Station Earle (Colts Neck)

Investigation ongoing. PFAS detected in groundwater monitoring wells.

Picatinny Arsenal (Morris County)

PFAS detected in nearby residential wells. Filtration systems provided to affected homes.

New Jersey PFAS Regulations

NJ was the first state to set an MCL for PFNA (13 ppt) in 2018
MCLs for PFOA (14 ppt) and PFOS (13 ppt) set in 2020 — years ahead of federal action
All public water systems must test and treat for these three compounds
NJ DEP designates PFAS as hazardous substances under the Spill Compensation and Control Act
Polluter-pays enforcement: NJ has sued 3M, DuPont, and other manufacturers for cleanup costs
Private wells are encouraged but not yet required to test for PFAS

How to Test Your Water in New Jersey

New Jersey requires all public water systems to test for PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS. Results are published in your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report. If you are on a private well, the NJ DEP offers a Private Well Testing Act program — PFAS testing is now recommended but not yet mandatory for private wells. Contact your local health department for well testing options.

Testing Options

DIY mail-in test ($150-$300)

Tap Score and SimpleLab offer PFAS-specific water tests. You collect a sample at home, mail it to a certified lab, and get results in 7-14 days. This tests your actual tap water — not just the utility report.

State testing program (free or low-cost)

Check with NJ DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) for any free PFAS testing programs for private well owners. Some states offer testing through local health departments.

Check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report

If you are on public water, your utility publishes an annual water quality report. Search for your utility on the EPA's website or call them directly. Note: many utilities only recently started testing for PFAS, so older reports may not include it.

Recommended Filters for New Jersey Residents

Any NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS. The right type depends on whether you rent or own, and how many taps you want filtered.

Renters / Budget

Clearly Filtered Pitcher — $80 + $60/yr filters. NSF P473. No install.

See full review

Homeowners / Kitchen

Under-sink RO system — $200-$400. Filters all drinking + cooking water at one tap.

See full review

Whole-House

SpringWell PFAS system — $1,500+. Filters every tap including showers and laundry.

See full review

Common Questions

Is my water in New Jersey contaminated with PFAS?+

It depends on your water source. If you are on public water, your utility is required to test and treat for PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS. Check your annual Consumer Confidence Report or call your water utility. If you are on a private well, your water has likely not been tested for PFAS unless you requested it. Contact your county health department for testing options.

What PFAS limits does New Jersey enforce?+

New Jersey enforces individual MCLs of 13 ppt for PFNA, 14 ppt for PFOA, and 13 ppt for PFOS. These are the strictest in the nation. For comparison, the federal EPA limit (finalized 2024) is 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually, with no federal limit for PFNA.

Should I get a water filter even if my utility says water is safe?+

Consider it. NJ MCLs are strict, but even levels below the legal limit still contain detectable PFAS. If you want to minimize exposure completely, a filter removes what the treatment plant does not. An NSF P473 certified filter is the only type verified to remove PFAS.

Does NJ offer free PFAS water testing?+

NJ does not currently offer universal free PFAS testing for private wells. Some counties and municipalities offer free or subsidized testing during specific programs. Check with your local health department. For public water, testing is handled by your utility at no cost to you.

Protect Your Water Now

You do not need to wait for your state to act. An NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS from your tap water today. Start with a test to know your levels, then pick the filter that fits your home.

Best PFAS Filters How to Test Your Water