New Jersey tap water / Water systems
New Jersey American Water, Ocean City system: 2025 water quality report results
The New Jersey American Water, Ocean City system's 2025 water quality report doesn't include regulated PFAS results. Lead at the 90th percentile of home taps: 0 ppb. Hardness: 76 mg/L (moderately hard).
2025 results against New Jersey and federal limits
| Measure | Reported | NJ limit | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead90th percentile of home taps | 0 ppb | Action level 15 ppb (10 ppb from November 2027) | Below action level | |
| ChlorideSecondary standard | 27.4 ppmHighest result, range 8.9 to 27.4 ppm, 2023 | 250 ppm recommended upper limitNot enforceable | 250 ppmSecondary standard, not enforceable | Below recommended limit |
| SodiumSecondary standard | 35.5 ppmHighest result, range 23.1 to 35.5 ppm, 2023 | 50 ppm recommended upper limitNot enforceable | None | Below recommended limit |
| Hardness | 76 mg/L (4.4 gpg)The report lists 76 mg/L as the highest result but a range of 76 to 100 mg/L for the same sample year (2023). | 250 mg/L recommended upper limitFor taste and appearance; not enforceable | None | Class: moderately hardA description, not a limit comparison |
The 2025 report doesn't list arsenic or 1,2,3-trichloropropane. New Jersey sets its own limits for arsenic (stricter than the federal one) and 1,2,3-trichloropropane (no federal limit); its sodium and chloride limits are recommended upper limits, not enforceable. Federal limits as of November 2026.
According to EPA, lead gets into drinking water when plumbing that contains lead corrodes, and where a home has a lead service line, that pipe is typically the largest source. So a home's own tap can differ from the system-wide 90th percentile.
The 2025 report doesn't include regulated PFAS results.
EPA kept its 4 ppt limits for PFOA and PFOS. Utilities must meet them by 2029; EPA has proposed letting systems request until 2031. In May 2026, EPA proposed withdrawing its national limits for PFNA, PFHxS, GenX (HFPO-DA) and a combined limit for PFAS mixtures. The proposal isn't final yet; EPA plans to decide in 2026. New Jersey's own PFNA limit is unaffected. (Status as of November 2026.)
Compare the NJ American Water, Ocean City system with other New Jersey water systems in one table of 2025 PFAS results, or see hardness across the same systems.
Choosing a water filter
The utility's report doesn't include PFAS results, so we can't match a PFAS filter to this water. If you're concerned about lead from your home's pipes, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead.
Towns served by the New Jersey American Water, Ocean City system
- Upper Township tap water (mostly served)
- Ocean City tap water
Water sources
Ocean City System is a public community water system consisting of 8 wells.
Source. 2025 water quality report, New Jersey American Water, Ocean City system. Also: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System; EPA UCMR 5.
Checked against the original report in September, October and November 2026. See how we check the data. Found an error? Tell us.