WaterVerge

Is Medford Twp.-0320, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

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

18K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: NJ0320001
Overall Score
65.4 / 100
Violations
32 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#312 of 435 in New Jersey Top 73% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
65.4/100
waterverge.com
C+ 65.4/100

Medford Twp.-0320, NJ — Water Quality Report

Medford Twp.-0320's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 17,722 residents using purchased surface water.

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 304 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Medford Twp.-0320's water

Medford Twp.-0320 ranks #312 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it below average 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.

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 →
65.4 out of 100 Grade C+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
19.7/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
13.7/20
C
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Medford Twp.-0320, NJ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Medford Twp.-0320's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 17,722 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

32
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Medford Twp.-0320

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 Medford Twp.-0320's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.4/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

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 Medford Twp.-0320'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: 6:2 FTS at 0.0063 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

Medford Twp.-0320's water system has 304 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherRPTMONMCLTT
Most recent violations:
Apr 2023 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Apr 2023 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2022 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 2022 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Burlington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Bread And Cheese Rn At Friendship, South Branch Rancocas Creek At Vincentown, Southwest Branch Rancocas Creek At Medford, North Branch Rancocas Creek At Pemberton, Budd Run At Perberton.

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 Medford Twp.-0320's water come from?

Medford Twp.-0320's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 17,722 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bread And Cheese Rn At Friendship (river), South Branch Rancocas Creek At Vincentown (river), Southwest Branch Rancocas Creek At Medford (river), North Branch Rancocas Creek At Pemberton (river), Budd Run At Perberton (river).

What Medford Twp.-0320 residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Medford Twp.-0320'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

Medford Twp.-0320'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
6:2 FTS
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
0.0063 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
3.6 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 6% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 1.0 µg/LHAA9: 4.6 µg/L
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
502.3 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 33% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Over SMCL
66.2 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over SMCLUCMR 4 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Detected
45.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · 21% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

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

Violation summary

304
Total violations
2
Health-based
32
Active / unresolved
Apr 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

304 Total
32 Active
2 Health-based
272 Resolved
1 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
126
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
34
Inorganic Chemicals
27
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
26
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
20
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jun 2020 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2018 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
May 2017 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Apr 2017 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 304 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Burlington 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)
10.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
2
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Burlington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Medford Twp.-0320'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 0.006 HI µg/L PFAS 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 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 5.0 ppb from 1992 (5.0 ppb) to 2026 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Medford Twp.-0320 compares by contaminant

Explore where Medford Twp.-0320 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
17,722
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Purchased Surface Water
1
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Medford Twp.-0320's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Medford Twp.-0320'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 17,722 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Medford Twp.-0320

Medford Twp.-0320 is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Bread And Cheese Rn At Friendship
river
South Branch Rancocas Creek At Vincentown
river
Southwest Branch Rancocas Creek At Medford
river
North Branch Rancocas Creek At Pemberton
river
Budd Run At Perberton
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Medford Twp.-0320

System Name PWSID Population Source
MEDFORD TWP DEPT OF MUNI NJ0320001 17,272 SWP
ESTAUGH CORP T/A MEDFORD LEAS NJ0320002 450 GW
Regional Comparison

How Medford Twp.-0320 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Medford Twp.-0320's score of 65.4/100 is on par with the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Medford Twp.-0320 (this city)
65.4
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

About Medford Twp.-0320, NJ

Economic Profile
$154,446
Median Income
$444,351
Median Home Value
$1,534/mo
Median Rent
3.7%
Unemployment
Community
48.2
Median Age
243
People / sq mi
62.9%
College Educated
86.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Medford Twp.-0320, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Medford Twp.-0320's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #312 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Medford Twp.-0320's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 304 violations are on record.

How is Medford Twp.-0320'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 Medford Twp.-0320?

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

Where does Medford Twp.-0320's water come from?

Medford Twp.-0320's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 17,722 residents.

What health violations has Medford Twp.-0320's water system had?

Medford Twp.-0320 has 2 health-based violations 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. 32 violations remain unresolved.

How does Medford Twp.-0320's water compare to other cities?

Medford Twp.-0320 ranks #312 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 28% of state cities) and #11510 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.