WaterVerge

Is Seaside Park Boro-1527, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?

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

15K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NJ1527001
Overall Score
85.4 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#49 of 435 in New Jersey Top 34% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.4/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.4/100

Seaside Park Boro-1527, NJ — Water Quality Report

Seaside Park Boro-1527's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 15,000 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 181 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.

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

What to know about Seaside Park Boro-1527's water

Seaside Park Boro-1527 ranks #49 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Seaside Park Boro-1527 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.

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.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.04 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.4 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
35.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
14.8/20
B
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Seaside Park Boro-1527, NJ water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Seaside Park Boro-1527's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 15,000 residents using groundwater (wells).

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

Recent water quality updates for Seaside Park Boro-1527

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 Seaside Park Boro-1527's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).

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.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
21 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Xylenes, Total, p-Dichlorobenzene.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Seaside Park Boro-1527's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 11.5000 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

Seaside Park Boro-1527's water system has 181 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.

MCLMR
Most recent violations:
Aug 2009 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2005 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Resolved
Jan 2005 Xylenes, Total Resolved
Jan 2005 p-Dichlorobenzene Resolved
Jan 2005 Vinyl chloride Resolved

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.

REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4614
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3573
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4086

Where does Seaside Park Boro-1527's water come from?

Seaside Park Boro-1527's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 15,000 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 Seaside Park Boro-1527 residents can do

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

Seaside Park Boro-1527'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
1.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
11.5000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
4.6 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 8% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 0.9 µg/LHAA9: 5.4 µg/L
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
0.04 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 0% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
40.5 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 3% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Detected
3.3 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · 7% of limit
DetectedUCMR 4 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Over HA
227.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · +8% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
11.5 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 19% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

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

Violation summary

181
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Aug 2009
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

181 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
180 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
168
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Nitrate Rule
4
Total Coliform Rule
1
Arsenic Rule
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2009
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Showing 20 of 181 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

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.

Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #4614
Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #3573
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4086
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3354
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4021
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #3332

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Seaside Park Boro-1527'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) 1.9 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 ND HI µg/L PFAS Not 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 11.500 HI µg/L PFAS 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 9.1 ppb from 1993 (11.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.9 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Seaside Park Boro-1527 compares by contaminant

Explore where Seaside Park Boro-1527 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
15,000
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Seaside Park Boro-1527's water comes from

Groundwater

Seaside Park Boro-1527'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 15,000 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Seaside Park Boro-1527

Seaside Park Boro-1527 is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Toms River Near Toms River
river
Cedar Creek At Western Blvd Near Lanoka Harbor
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Seaside Park Boro-1527

System Name PWSID Population Source
SEASIDE PARK WATER DEPT NJ1527001 15,000 GW
Regional Comparison

How Seaside Park Boro-1527 compares

Full New Jersey rankings →

Seaside Park Boro-1527's score of 85.4/100 is above the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Seaside Park Boro-1527 (this city)
85.4
New Jersey avg
63
City Profile

About Seaside Park Boro-1527, NJ

Wikipedia →

Seaside Park is a borough in Ocean County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is part of the New Brunswick–Lakewood, NJ Metropolitan Division, which is part of the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 1,436, a decrease of 143 (−9.1%) from the 2010 census count of 1,579, which in turn had reflected decline of 684 (−30.2%) from the 2,263 counted in the 2000 census. Seaside Park is situated on the Barnegat Peninsula, a long, narrow barrier peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean.

Economic Profile
$80,658
Median Income
$792,282
Median Home Value
$1,457/mo
Median Rent
5.8%
Unemployment
Community
59.5
Median Age
1,061
People / sq mi
53.2%
College Educated
75.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Seaside Park Boro-1527, NJ tap water safe to drink?

Seaside Park Boro-1527's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #49 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.

What contaminants are in Seaside Park Boro-1527's water?

Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 181 violations are on record.

How is Seaside Park Boro-1527'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 Seaside Park Boro-1527?

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

Where does Seaside Park Boro-1527's water come from?

Seaside Park Boro-1527's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 15,000 residents.

What health violations has Seaside Park Boro-1527's water system had?

Seaside Park Boro-1527 has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Seaside Park Boro-1527's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Seaside Park Boro-1527 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 181 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 Seaside Park Boro-1527's water compare to other cities?

Seaside Park Boro-1527 ranks #49 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 89% of state cities) and #5330 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.