WaterVerge

Is Buena Boro-0104, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

5K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ0104003
Overall Score
92 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#7 of 435 in New Jersey Top 9% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92/100
waterverge.com
A 92/100

Buena Boro-0104, NJ — Water Quality Report

Buena Boro-0104's drinking water received a grade of A (92 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,880 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Buena Boro-0104's water

Buena Boro-0104 ranks #7 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Buena Boro-0104 relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.2/20
A
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Buena Boro-0104, NJ water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Buena Boro-0104's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,880 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected

Recent water quality updates for Buena Boro-0104

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buena Boro-0104's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Selenium.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buena Boro-0104's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 12.7000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Buena Boro-0104's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Apr 2023 Chlorine Resolved
Sep 2003 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jun 1988 Selenium Resolved

Where does Buena Boro-0104's water come from?

Buena Boro-0104's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 4,880 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Buena Boro-0104 residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
12.7000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
3.1 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 5% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 3.0 µg/LHAA9: 5.0 µg/L
Manganese
Inorganic
Detected
3.2 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · 6% of limit
DetectedUCMR 4 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
12.7 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 21% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Apr 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Inorganic Chemicals
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2023 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2023
Sep 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2003
Jun 1988 Resolved
Selenium
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 1991
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Atlantic County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

2
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
7.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
2
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Buena Boro-0104's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 12.700 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.0 ppb from 1992 (6.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Buena Boro-0104 compares by contaminant

Explore where Buena Boro-0104 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
4,880
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Buena Boro-0104's water comes from

Groundwater

Buena Boro-0104's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 4,880 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Buena Boro-0104

System Name PWSID Population Source
BUENA BOROUGH MUA NJ0104003 4,880 GW
Regional Comparison

How Buena Boro-0104 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Buena Boro-0104's score of 92/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Buena Boro-0104 (this city)
92
New Jersey avg
63
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Frequently asked questions

Is Buena Boro-0104, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Buena Boro-0104's water quality earned a grade of A (92/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #7 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Buena Boro-0104's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 4 violations are on record.

How is Buena Boro-0104's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Buena Boro-0104?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Buena Boro-0104's water come from?

Buena Boro-0104's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 4,880 residents.

What health violations has Buena Boro-0104's water system had?

Buena Boro-0104 has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Buena Boro-0104's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Buena Boro-0104 uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 4 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Buena Boro-0104's water compare to other cities?

Buena Boro-0104 ranks #7 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 98% of state cities) and #1399 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.