Cobalt Contamination

Cobalt in New Jersey Drinking Water

Ranked by max cobalt detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

105

Cities Tested

105

Detected

100%

% Detected

37.60 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

331

Health Violations

Analysis

Cobalt in New Jersey: what the data shows

New Jersey has 105 cities with cobalt data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Cobalt was detected in 105 of those cities. There is no federal MCL or health advisory for cobalt in drinking water; the state average max detected level is 37.60 µg/L. Cobalt enters drinking water primarily from natural weathering of cobalt-bearing rock and from industrial sources including battery manufacturing, mining, and metal alloys. Detection rates in UCMR 3 sampling were low (~3% nationally), suggesting cobalt is generally not a widespread tap-water concern. Cobalt is an essential nutrient (a component of vitamin B12) at trace levels, but elevated waterborne exposure has been linked to thyroid effects and cardiomyopathy in occupational studies. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing cobalt.

Comparison

Cities exceeding No federal MCL or HA

New Jersey

100%

105 of 105 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

305 of 305 cities

City Map

Cobalt data across New Jersey

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 cobalt testing data. Detected cities are shown — there is no federal limit. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by cobalt level in New Jersey

Highest Cobalt levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All New Jersey cities ranked by cobalt level

#	City	Level	Detected?	Violations	Grade
1	Bordentown Twp.-0304	1097.10 µg/L	Detected	17	C
2	Bordentown Twp.-0304	1097.10 µg/L	Detected	14	B-
3	Bordentown Twp.-0304	1097.10 µg/L	Detected	14	B-
4	Franklin Twp.-1808	48.40 µg/L	Detected	16	D+
5	Franklin Twp.-1808	48.40 µg/L	Detected	1	B
6	Burlington Twp.-0306	29.50 µg/L	Detected	25	F
7	Burlington Twp.-0306	29.50 µg/L	Detected	8	C-
8	Burlington Twp.-0306	29.50 µg/L	Detected	8	C-
9	Camden City-0408	29.50 µg/L	Detected	8	C+
10	East Windsor Twp.-1101	11.63 µg/L	Detected	1	A-
11	Lawrence Twp.-1107	9.80 µg/L	Detected	37	F
12	Absecon City-0101	8.10 µg/L	Detected	9	C-
13	Absecon City-0101	8.10 µg/L	Detected	22	F
14	Absecon City-0101	8.10 µg/L	Detected	4	B-
15	Absecon City-0101	8.10 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
16	Absecon City-0101	8.10 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
17	Absecon City-0101	8.10 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
18	Absecon City-0101	8.10 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
19	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	1	B-
20	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	1	B-
21	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B-
22	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	5	F
23	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	2	C+
24	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	C+
25	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	1	B-
26	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	C+
27	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
28	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
29	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
30	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
31	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
32	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
33	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
34	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
35	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
36	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
37	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
38	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
39	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
40	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
41	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
42	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
43	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
44	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
45	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
46	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
47	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
48	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
49	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
50	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
51	Burlington Twp.-0306	7.20 µg/L	Detected	0	B
52	Elizabeth City- 2004	6.40 µg/L	Detected	6	F
53	Millville City-0610	6.36 µg/L	Detected	3	F
54	Willingboro Twp.-0338	4.43 µg/L	Detected	1	B
55	Vineland City-0614	4.20 µg/L	Detected	70	F
56	Bridgeton City-0601	3.06 µg/L	Detected	55	D
57	Freehold Twp.-1316	2.50 µg/L	Detected	13	B-
58	Berkeley Twp.-1505	2.50 µg/L	Detected	2	C+
59	Barnegat Twp.-1533	2.40 µg/L	Detected	5	C+
60	Phillipsburg Town-2119	2.40 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
61	Little Falls Twp.-1605	2.30 µg/L	Detected	12	B
62	Hillside Twp.-2007	2.30 µg/L	Detected	32	C
63	Hillside Twp.-2007	2.30 µg/L	Detected	32	C
64	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	5	D+
65	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	2	F
66	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	2	D+
67	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	42	F
68	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	10	C
69	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	1	B
70	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	C-
71	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	3	B-
72	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
73	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
74	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
75	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
76	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	12	F
77	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
78	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
79	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
80	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
81	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
82	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
83	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
84	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
85	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
86	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
87	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
88	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
89	Summit City-2018	2.30 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
90	Monroe Twp.-0811	2.12 µg/L	Detected	9	C
91	Winslow Twp.-0436	2.07 µg/L	Detected	37	F
92	Washington Twp.-0818	1.90 µg/L	Detected	0	F
93	Perth Amboy City--1216	1.80 µg/L	Detected	8	C+
94	Hamilton Twp-0112	1.71 µg/L	Detected	4	C
95	Hamilton Twp-0112	1.71 µg/L	Detected	4	C+
96	Manchester Twp.-1518	1.70 µg/L	Detected	23	F
97	Point Pleasant Boro-1524	1.63 µg/L	Detected	2	C-
98	Atlantic City-0102	1.60 µg/L	Detected	4	B
99	Collingswood Boro-0412	1.40 µg/L	Detected	4	B+
100	East Hanover Twp.-1410	1.40 µg/L	Detected	8	C+
101	Hammonton Town-0113	1.32 µg/L	Detected	38	C+
102	Fair Lawn Boro-0217	1.24 µg/L	Detected	8	F
103	Lacey Twp.-1512	1.20 µg/L	Detected	2	B+
104	Glassboro Boro-0806	1.19 µg/L	Detected	16	C
105	Freehold Twp.-1316	1.10 µg/L	Detected	3	B-

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about cobalt in New Jersey

Is cobalt in New Jersey tap water dangerous?

There is no federal MCL or health advisory for cobalt in drinking water. 105 cities in New Jersey had detectable cobalt in UCMR 3 testing. Cobalt is an essential trace nutrient at very low levels but has been linked to thyroid and cardiac effects at much higher chronic exposures.

How can I remove cobalt from my water?

Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing cobalt. Ion exchange systems (water softeners) also work. Standard activated carbon filters are NOT effective against cobalt. Most household water has cobalt below detection, so testing is generally only warranted near mining or battery-industry sites.

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