WaterVerge

Is Plumstead Twp.-1523, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C+, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

4K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: NJ1523003
Overall Score
69.5 / 100
Violations
25 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#287 of 435 in New Jersey Top 69% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
69.5/100
waterverge.com
C+ 69.5/100

Plumstead Twp.-1523, NJ — Water Quality Report

Plumstead Twp.-1523's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,095 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 170 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Plumstead Twp.-1523's water

Plumstead Twp.-1523 ranks #287 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Plumstead Twp.-1523 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.

The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
69.5 out of 100 Grade C+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
19.5/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Plumstead Twp.-1523, NJ water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Plumstead Twp.-1523's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,095 residents using groundwater (wells).

25
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Plumstead Twp.-1523

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plumstead Twp.-1523's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.5/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

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

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Plumstead Twp.-1523's water supply.

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

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Plumstead Twp.-1523's water system has 170 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherRPTMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Sep 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Sep 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Sep 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Aug 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

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 Big Brook Near Marlboro, Swimming River Reservoir Near Red Bank, Swimming River Near Red Bank, Shark River Near Neptune City, Jumping Brook Near Neptune City.

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 Plumstead Twp.-1523's water come from?

Plumstead Twp.-1523's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 4,095 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Brook Near Marlboro (river), Swimming River Reservoir Near Red Bank (lake), Swimming River Near Red Bank (river), Shark River Near Neptune City (river), Jumping Brook Near Neptune City (river).

What Plumstead Twp.-1523 residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Plumstead Twp.-1523'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

Plumstead Twp.-1523'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
Compliance Record

Violation summary

170
Total violations
5
Health-based
25
Active / unresolved
Sep 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

170 Total
25 Active
5 Health-based
145 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
85
Inorganic Chemicals
18
Total Coliform Rule
16
Lead and Copper Rule
13
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
10
Sep 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2024 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Aug 2023 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Mar 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2012 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2005 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2005 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 170 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Ocean 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)
8.9%
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

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

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 8.0 ppb from 1993 (8.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Plumstead Twp.-1523 compares by contaminant

Explore where Plumstead Twp.-1523 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
4,095
Water Systems
4
Water Source

Where Plumstead Twp.-1523's water comes from

Groundwater

Plumstead Twp.-1523'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 private ownership and serves approximately 4,095 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Plumstead Twp.-1523

Plumstead Twp.-1523 is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Big Brook Near Marlboro
river
Swimming River Reservoir Near Red Bank
lake
Swimming River Near Red Bank
river
Shark River Near Neptune City
river
Jumping Brook Near Neptune City
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Plumstead Twp.-1523

System Name PWSID Population Source
NJ AMERICAN WATER - NEW EGYPT NJ1523003 3,495 GW
DEEP RUN ADULT VILLAGE NJ1523002 400 GW
COLLIER MILLS MOBILE HOME PARK INC NJ1523001 100 GW
OAK GROVE MHP NJ1523004 100 GW
Regional Comparison

How Plumstead Twp.-1523 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Plumstead Twp.-1523's score of 69.5/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Plumstead Twp.-1523 (this city)
69.5
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

About Plumstead Twp.-1523, NJ

Wikipedia →

Colts Neck Township is a township in Monmouth County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is located in the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 9,957, a decrease of 185 (−1.8%) from the 2010 census count of 10,142, which in turn reflected a decline of 2,189 (−17.8%) from the 12,331 counted in the 2000 census.

Economic Profile
$187,969
Median Income
$832,771
Median Home Value
$2,363/mo
Median Rent
4.8%
Unemployment
Community
48
Median Age
125
People / sq mi
66%
College Educated
92.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Plumstead Twp.-1523, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Plumstead Twp.-1523's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #287 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Plumstead Twp.-1523's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 170 violations are on record.

How is Plumstead Twp.-1523'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 Plumstead Twp.-1523?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Plumstead Twp.-1523's water come from?

Plumstead Twp.-1523's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 4,095 residents.

What health violations has Plumstead Twp.-1523's water system had?

Plumstead Twp.-1523 has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.

Is Plumstead Twp.-1523's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Plumstead Twp.-1523 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 170 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 Plumstead Twp.-1523's water compare to other cities?

Plumstead Twp.-1523 ranks #287 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 34% of state cities) and #10909 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.