Tap Water Results

Is Gloucester, 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 Gloucester. The largest, New Jersey American Water – Western, serves 274,291 people. 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.

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
One sample above limit
1.07 ppt4 pptOne sample above limit
PFOS
One sample above limit
1.1 ppt4 pptOne sample above limit
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

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

Full New Jersey American Water – Western results

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.

Gloucester homes and lead pipes

53%
of homes built before 1980 (New Jersey 63%, US 50%)
7%
built before 1950 (New Jersey 24%)
27%
of households rent (New Jersey 36%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Gloucester township (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Which system serves your ZIP code

Based on the ZIP codes each system reported serving. Boundaries don't follow ZIP lines exactly, so your water bill is the final word.

SystemZIP codes in Gloucester
New Jersey American Water – Western
274,291 people
08012, 08029, 08083
Aqua NJ – Blackwood
44,396 people
08081

Other water systems serving Gloucester

  • Aqua NJ – Blackwood
    44,396 people · Purchased surface water · New Jersey · lists this city
    PFOA detectedAlso: 1 health-based violation since 2016
  • Gloucester City Water Dept
    12,460 people · Groundwater · New Jersey · lists this city
    No PFAS above limits

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Washington 3 mi
Washington Township Municipal Utilities Authority
Washington Township Municipal Utilities AuthorityAbove limit0 ppb
Deptford 5 mi
Deptford Township Municipal Utilities Authority
Deptford Township Municipal Utilities AuthorityNone above limits0 ppb
Voorhees 6 mi
New Jersey American Water – Western
New Jersey American Water – WesternNone above limits3 ppb
Cherry Hill 8 mi
New Jersey American Water – Western
New Jersey American Water – WesternNone above limits3 ppb
Evesham 8 mi
Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority
Evesham Municipal Utilities AuthorityNone above limits1.4 ppb
Winslow 9 mi
Winslow Township Dmu Water System
Winslow Township Dmu Water SystemAbove limit0.66 ppb

Questions

Is Gloucester 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 Gloucester, NJ?

3 public water systems serve parts of Gloucester. 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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 53% of Gloucester 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.