WaterVerge

Is Keyport Boro-1322, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B- — but PFOA was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

8K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ1322001
Overall Score
72.6 / 100
Violations
10 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#216 of 435 in New Jersey Top 65% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
72.6/100
waterverge.com
B- 72.6/100

Keyport Boro-1322, NJ — Water Quality Report

Keyport Boro-1322's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 7,500 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 3 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply.

The system has 38 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Keyport Boro-1322's water

Keyport Boro-1322 ranks #216 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

Of particular concern: PFAS "forever chemical" levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. These synthetic compounds don't break down naturally and require specialized filtration such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon.

The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
72.6 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
29.1/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
14.5/20
C
3 PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Keyport Boro-1322, NJ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Keyport Boro-1322's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 7,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

10
Active Violations
0.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 compounds
PFAS Detected
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Keyport Boro-1322

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

PFAS
3 PFAS "forever chemical" compounds detected

PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration recommended.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keyport Boro-1322's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4614). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Keyport Boro-1322's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (3 compounds) Exceeds Limit
Detected: Highest: PFOA at 0.0073 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filtration strongly recommended.

PFAS "forever chemicals" detected

UCMR 5 testing found 3 PFAS compounds in Keyport Boro-1322's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.

Compound Level EPA MCL Status
PFOA 0.0073 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Over MCL
PFHxA 0.0047 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFPeA 0.0043 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit

Violation history

Keyport Boro-1322's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRRPTOtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Dec 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Jun 2024 E. COLI Open
Jun 2024 E. COLI Open

Flood & environmental risk

Monmouth County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Ohrback Lake, Richmond Creek, Lemon Creek, Big Brook Near Marlboro, Swimming River Reservoir Near Red Bank.

REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4614
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3573
TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA DR-4574

Where does Keyport Boro-1322's water come from?

Keyport Boro-1322's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 7,500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ohrback Lake (lake), Richmond Creek (river), Lemon Creek (river), Big Brook Near Marlboro (river), Swimming River Reservoir Near Red Bank (lake).

What Keyport Boro-1322 residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Reverse osmosis system. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Keyport Boro-1322's water.

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Keyport Boro-1322's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

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
0.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 3% of limit
Safe Level
PFOA
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Over MCL
0.0073 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds MCL
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
3
Detected
1
Exceed EPA MCL
1.82
Hazard Index
PFOA max: 0.0073 µg/L
Compliance Record

Violation summary

38
Total violations
7
Health-based
10
Active / unresolved
Jan 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

38 Total
10 Active
7 Health-based
28 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
11
Ground Water Rule
6
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
6
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Surface Water Treatment Rule
4
Dec 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2024 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2024 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2024 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2022 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2022 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2022 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2020 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2025 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Jul 2024 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jul 2023 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2023
Jul 2023 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2023
Jul 2023 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Jul 2022 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Dec 2021 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2021
Oct 2021 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2021
Oct 2020 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2020
Aug 2020 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2020
Showing 20 of 38 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Monmouth County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.

6.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2021
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Monmouth County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #4614
Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #3573
Dec 2020
TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA #4574
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4086
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3354
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4021

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Keyport Boro-1322's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.4 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 ND HI µg/L PFAS Not 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 0.005 HI µg/L PFAS 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 0.007 0.004 µg/L PFAS Over MCL
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA 0.004 HI µg/L PFAS 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 15.6 ppb from 1992 (16.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.4 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Keyport Boro-1322 compares by contaminant

Explore where Keyport Boro-1322 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
7,500
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Keyport Boro-1322's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Keyport Boro-1322's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 7,500 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Keyport Boro-1322

Keyport Boro-1322 is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Ohrback Lake
lake
Richmond Creek
river
Lemon Creek
river
Big Brook Near Marlboro
river
Swimming River Reservoir Near Red Bank
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Keyport Boro-1322

System Name PWSID Population Source
KEYPORT WATER DEPT NJ1322001 7,500 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Keyport Boro-1322 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Keyport Boro-1322's score of 72.6/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Keyport Boro-1322 (this city)
72.6
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

About Keyport Boro-1322, NJ

Wikipedia →

Keansburg is a borough in Monmouth County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 9,755, a decrease of 350 (−3.5%) from the 2010 census count of 10,105, which in turn reflected a decline of 627 (−5.8%) from 10,732 in the 2000 census.

Economic Profile
$80,144
Median Income
$255,282
Median Home Value
$1,591/mo
Median Rent
3.5%
Unemployment
Community
44.3
Median Age
3,515
People / sq mi
17.9%
College Educated
51.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Keyport Boro-1322, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Keyport Boro-1322's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #216 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Keyport Boro-1322's water?

Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 3 PFAS compounds were detected. 38 violations are on record.

How is Keyport Boro-1322'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 Keyport Boro-1322?

PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.

Where does Keyport Boro-1322's water come from?

Keyport Boro-1322's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 7,500 residents.

What health violations has Keyport Boro-1322's water system had?

Keyport Boro-1322 has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.

Why does Keyport Boro-1322 have so many PFAS compounds in its water?

3 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Keyport Boro-1322's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. Some levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels — a reverse osmosis or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is strongly recommended.

How does Keyport Boro-1322's water compare to other cities?

Keyport Boro-1322 ranks #216 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 50% of state cities) and #10264 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.