Is Ocean Gate Boro-1521, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Ocean Gate Boro-1521, NJ — Water Quality Report
Ocean Gate Boro-1521's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 55 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water
Ocean Gate Boro-1521 ranks #12 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ocean Gate Boro-1521 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.
As a small community water system, Ocean Gate Boro-1521 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ocean Gate Boro-1521, NJ water safe to drink?
Ocean Gate Boro-1521's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ocean Gate Boro-1521
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4614). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ocean 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 Toms River Near Toms River, Cedar Creek At Western Blvd Near Lanoka Harbor.
Where does Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water come from?
Ocean Gate Boro-1521's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Toms River Near Toms River (river), Cedar Creek At Western Blvd Near Lanoka Harbor (river).
What Ocean Gate Boro-1521 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water.
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.
Ocean Gate Boro-1521'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtOcean 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Ocean 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.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ocean Gate Boro-1521 compares by contaminant
Explore where Ocean Gate Boro-1521 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water comes from
Ocean Gate Boro-1521'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 3,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ocean Gate Boro-1521
Ocean Gate Boro-1521 is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ocean Gate Boro-1521
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCEAN GATE WATER DEPT | NJ1521001 | 3,200 | GW |
How Ocean Gate Boro-1521 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Ocean Gate Boro-1521's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →About Ocean Gate Boro-1521, NJ
Wikipedia →Ocean Gate is a borough in Ocean County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 1,932, a decrease of 79 (−3.9%) from the 2010 census count of 2,011, which in turn reflected a decline of 65 (−3.1%) from the 2,076 counted in the 2000 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ocean
Frequently asked questions
Is Ocean Gate Boro-1521, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Ocean Gate Boro-1521'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 Ocean Gate Boro-1521?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water come from?
Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 residents.
Is Ocean Gate Boro-1521's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ocean Gate Boro-1521 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 55 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 Ocean Gate Boro-1521's water compare to other cities?
Ocean Gate Boro-1521 ranks #12 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 97% of state cities) and #2292 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ocean Gate Boro-1521's small water system affect quality?
Ocean Gate Boro-1521's system serves approximately 3,200 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 55 violations on record.