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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Plumstead Twp.-1523, NJ water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Plumstead Twp.-1523
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plumstead Twp.-1523's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Plumstead Twp.-1523's water supply.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Plumstead Twp.-1523'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.
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.
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
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.
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 Plumstead Twp.-1523 compares by contaminant
Explore where Plumstead Twp.-1523 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Plumstead Twp.-1523's water comes from
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Plumstead Twp.-1523's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ocean
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.