Is Camden, NJ tap water safe?
Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it
Summary
No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for New Jersey American Water – Western. 5 PFAS were detected below the limits.
3 public water systems serve parts of Camden. The largest, New Jersey American Water – Western, serves 274,291 people, and 2 systems here had PFAS above a federal limit. Your water bill names your system.
Largest system
New Jersey American Water – Western
274,291 people · Surface water · EPA ID NJ0327001
Buys treated water from Merchantville Pennsauken Water System, Maple Shade Water Department.
| PFAS | Highest average | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA One sample above limit | 1.07 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFOS One sample above limit | 1.1 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFHxS Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| PFNA Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.
Lead: 3 ppb at the 90th percentile (Nov 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0
Across New Jersey, 110 of 245 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 4 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. New Jersey results.
Camden homes and lead pipes
Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.
Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Camden city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.
Other water systems serving Camden
- Merchantville Pennsauken Water System47,144 people · Purchased surface water · New Jersey · lists this cityPFOA above limitAlso: PFOS above limit · PFHxS detected · Lithium above screening level
- City of Camden46,585 people · Purchased surface water · New Jersey · lists this cityPFOA above limitAlso: PFOS above limit · PFNA detected · Lithium above screening level · 2 health-based violations since 2016
How nearby cities compare
| City | PFAS | Lead (90th pct.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsauken 3 mi New Jersey American Water – Western | None above limits | 3 ppb |
| Cherry Hill 6 mi New Jersey American Water – Western | None above limits | 3 ppb |
| Deptford 9 mi Deptford Township Municipal Utilities Authority | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Voorhees 10 mi New Jersey American Water – Western | None above limits | 3 ppb |
| Gloucester 11 mi New Jersey American Water – Western | None above limits | 3 ppb |
| Mount Laurel 11 mi New Jersey American Water – Western | None above limits | 3 ppb |
Camden ZIP codes (4)
- 08102
- 08103
- 08104
- 08105
Questions
Is Camden tap water safe to drink?
New Jersey American Water – Western has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.
Who supplies water in Camden, NJ?
3 public water systems serve parts of Camden. The largest is New Jersey American Water – Western (274,291 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.
Does Camden tap water have PFAS?
New Jersey American Water – Western had 5 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.
Do Camden homes have lead pipes?
Census estimates put 81% of Camden homes as built before 1980 (New Jersey: 63%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. New Jersey American Water – Western's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.
Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.