Is Woodbine Boro-0516, NJ Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
60.2/100
waterverge.com Woodbine Boro-0516, NJ — Water Quality Report
Woodbine Boro-0516's drinking water received a grade of C (60.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 105 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Woodbine Boro-0516's water
Woodbine Boro-0516 ranks #334 out of 435 cities in New Jersey for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Woodbine Boro-0516 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, Woodbine Boro-0516 may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Woodbine Boro-0516, NJ water safe to drink?
Woodbine Boro-0516's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Woodbine Boro-0516
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Woodbine Boro-0516's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Woodbine Boro-0516's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Woodbine Boro-0516's water system has 105 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cape May County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1998. 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 Tuckahoe River At Head Of River, Manumuskin River At Cumberland.
Where does Woodbine Boro-0516's water come from?
Woodbine Boro-0516's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems 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 Tuckahoe River At Head Of River (river), Manumuskin River At Cumberland (river).
What Woodbine Boro-0516 residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Woodbine Boro-0516'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.
Woodbine Boro-0516'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 droughtCape May 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
Cape May County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1998. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Woodbine Boro-0516's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.86 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Woodbine Boro-0516 compares by contaminant
Explore where Woodbine Boro-0516 ranks among all New Jersey cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Woodbine Boro-0516's water comes from
Woodbine Boro-0516'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 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Woodbine Boro-0516
Woodbine Boro-0516 is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Woodbine Boro-0516
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOROUGH OF WOODBINE | NJ0516001 | 2,650 | GW |
| CAROL LYNN RESORT, INC | NJ0516003 | 550 | GW |
How Woodbine Boro-0516 compares
Full New Jersey rankings →Woodbine Boro-0516's score of 60.2/100 is on par with the average of 63/100 among major New Jersey cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New Jersey rankings →About Woodbine Boro-0516, NJ
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Woodbine Boro-0516's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cape May
Frequently asked questions
Is Woodbine Boro-0516, NJ tap water safe to drink?
Woodbine Boro-0516's water quality earned a grade of C (60.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #334 out of 435 cities tested in New Jersey.
What contaminants are in Woodbine Boro-0516's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 105 violations are on record.
How is Woodbine Boro-0516'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 Woodbine Boro-0516?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Woodbine Boro-0516's water come from?
Woodbine Boro-0516's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,200 residents.
What health violations has Woodbine Boro-0516's water system had?
Woodbine Boro-0516 has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Woodbine Boro-0516's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Woodbine Boro-0516 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 105 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 Woodbine Boro-0516's water compare to other cities?
Woodbine Boro-0516 ranks #334 out of 435 cities in New Jersey (better than 23% of state cities) and #12105 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.