D29/100
Cape May Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 35,000 residents · New Jersey
What's In Cape May's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
TIER 2Resolved
Consumer confidence report — content deficiency
When: January 1, 2024 – April 11, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 11, 2023 – August 30, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Consumer confidence report — inadequate or unavailable
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2023 – April 26, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2021 – September 15, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CAPE MAY WATER & SEWER U
Population Served
35,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NJ0502001
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape May Water
Is Cape May tap water safe to drink?
Cape May, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of D (29/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 35 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Cape May's water?
66 contaminants were tested in Cape May's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Cape May have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cape May has 35 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, TT, RPT. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cape May?
Cape May water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Cape May's tap water come from?
Cape May's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CAPE MAY WATER & SEWER U. The system serves approximately 35,000 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Cape May's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Cape May's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Cape May's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Cape May's water quality score of 29/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our New Jersey state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cape May's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cape May's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CAPE MAY WATER & SEWER U) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.