F0/100
Perth Amboy Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 52,328 residents · New Jersey
What's In Perth Amboy's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
3
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.019 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
HFPO-DA | 0.014 µg/L | 0.010 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 390.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: 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
PERTH AMBOY WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
52,328
Water Source
Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water
System ID
NJ1216001
Frequently Asked Questions About Perth Amboy Water
Is Perth Amboy tap water safe to drink?
Perth Amboy, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 95 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Perth Amboy's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Perth Amboy's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, HFPO-DA, PFOS, chlorate. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Perth Amboy have any water quality violations?
Yes, Perth Amboy has 95 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, MR, Other. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Perth Amboy?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Perth Amboy is recommended. 3 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Perth Amboy's tap water come from?
Perth Amboy's drinking water is sourced from groundwater under influence of surface water and supplied by PERTH AMBOY WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 52,328 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Perth Amboy'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. Perth Amboy'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 Perth Amboy's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?
Perth Amboy's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. 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 Perth Amboy's water quality?
If you have concerns about Perth Amboy'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 (PERTH AMBOY WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.