Tap Water Results

Is Manchester, 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 Manchester Township Water Utility – Eastern. 3 PFAS were detected below the limits.

5 public water systems serve parts of Manchester. The largest, Manchester Township Water Utility – Eastern, serves 23,980 people, and one system here had PFAS above a federal limit. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Manchester Township Water Utility – Eastern

23,980 people · Groundwater · EPA ID NJ1518005

Buys treated water from Manchester Township Water Utility – Western.

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
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: 0.4 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2024, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 1

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.

Manchester homes and lead pipes

53%
of homes built before 1980 (New Jersey 63%, US 50%)
2%
built before 1950 (New Jersey 24%)
13%
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 Manchester township (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Manchester

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Jackson 9 mi
Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority
Jackson Township Municipal Utilities AuthorityNone above limits0 ppb
Lacey 9 mi
Lacey Township Municipal Utilities Authority
Lacey Township Municipal Utilities AuthorityNone above limits0 ppb
Berkeley 10 mi
Aqua NJ – Eastern Division
Aqua NJ – Eastern DivisionNone above limits0 ppb
Pemberton 12 mi
Pemberton Township Dept Main
Pemberton Township Dept MainNone above limits1.25 ppb
Lakewood 12 mi
New Jersey American Water – Coastal North
New Jersey American Water – Coastal NorthAbove limit2 ppb
Barnegat 14 mi
Barnegat Township Water Sewer
Barnegat Township Water SewerNone above limits0.7 ppb
Manchester ZIP codes (2)
  • 08533
  • 08759

Questions

Is Manchester tap water safe to drink?

Manchester Township Water Utility – Eastern had 1 health-based violation 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 Manchester, NJ?

5 public water systems serve parts of Manchester. The largest is Manchester Township Water Utility – Eastern (23,980 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Manchester tap water have PFAS?

Manchester Township Water Utility – Eastern had 3 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Manchester homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 53% of Manchester 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. Manchester Township Water Utility – Eastern'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.