Is Pine Beach Boro-1522, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.7/100
Pine Beach Boro-1522, NJ — Water Quality Report
Pine Beach Boro-1522's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,130 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pine Beach Boro-1522's water
Pine Beach Boro-1522 ranks #8 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Pine Beach Boro-1522 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, Pine Beach Boro-1522 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pine Beach Boro-1522, NJ water safe to drink?
Pine Beach Boro-1522's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,130 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pine Beach Boro-1522
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pine Beach Boro-1522's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
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: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pine Beach Boro-1522's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pine Beach Boro-1522's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
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 South Branch Metedeconk River Near Lakewood, Toms River Near Toms River, Cedar Creek At Western Blvd Near Lanoka Harbor.
Where does Pine Beach Boro-1522's water come from?
Pine Beach Boro-1522's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,130 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Metedeconk River Near Lakewood (river), Toms River Near Toms River (river), Cedar Creek At Western Blvd Near Lanoka Harbor (river).
What Pine Beach Boro-1522 residents can do
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.
Pine Beach Boro-1522'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 Pine Beach Boro-1522 compares by contaminant
Explore where Pine Beach Boro-1522 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pine Beach Boro-1522's water comes from
Pine Beach Boro-1522'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 2,130 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pine Beach Boro-1522
Pine Beach Boro-1522 is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pine Beach Boro-1522
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINE BEACH WATER DEPT | NJ1522001 | 2,130 | GW |
How Pine Beach Boro-1522 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Pine Beach Boro-1522's score of 91.7/100 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 Pine Beach Boro-1522, NJ
Wikipedia →Pine Beach 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 2,139, its highest ever decennial count and an increase of 12 (+0.6%) from the 2010 census count of 2,127, which in turn reflected an increase of 177 (+9.1%) from the 1,950 counted in the 2000 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pine Beach Boro-1522's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ocean
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine Beach Boro-1522, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Pine Beach Boro-1522's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #8 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Pine Beach Boro-1522's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Pine Beach Boro-1522'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 Pine Beach Boro-1522?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pine Beach Boro-1522's water come from?
Pine Beach Boro-1522's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,130 residents.
Is Pine Beach Boro-1522's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pine Beach Boro-1522 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 6 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 Pine Beach Boro-1522's water compare to other cities?
Pine Beach Boro-1522 ranks #8 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 98% of state cities) and #1533 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pine Beach Boro-1522's small water system affect quality?
Pine Beach Boro-1522's system serves approximately 2,130 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 6 violations on record.