Water Quality in Jersey City, NJ

Jersey City's water has PFAS above EPA limits (5 ppt). An activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels. Read below for a full breakdown.

SUEZ · Source: Boonton Reservoir · Serves 292,449 residents

39
Hardness (PPM)
49
TDS (PPM)
1.2
Chlorine (mg/L)
5
PFAS (ppt)
4
Lead (ppb)
39 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 39 PPM TDS 49 PPM PFAS 5 ppt Lead 4 ppb Chlorine 1.2 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Jersey City Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Lead in older buildings

Good reservoir water with lead in older buildings.

What Jersey City's Water Means for Your Home

Jersey City's water is slightly hard at 39 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Jersey City, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

PFAS contamination is a significant concern in Jersey City. At 5 parts per trillion, levels exceed the EPA's 2024 maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they are called "forever chemicals." Long-term exposure has been associated with increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, and immune system effects. A whole-house activated carbon filter or point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS to safe levels. Look for NSF P473 certification when comparing products.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)39 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids49 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)5 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)⚠ Above limit
Lead4 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.2 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Jersey City Homes

🔬 Activated Carbon Filter for PFAS
PFAS detected at 5 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure. A whole-house granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS. Look for NSF P473 certification, which specifically tests for PFAS removal.
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About Jersey City's Water Supply

Water Utility: SUEZ

Water Source: Boonton Reservoir

Population Served: 292,449

Hardness: 39 PPM (2.3 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by SUEZ. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Jersey City to Other New Jersey Cities

Newark

30 PPM · Slightly Hard

Paterson

41 PPM · Slightly Hard

Elizabeth

64 PPM · Moderately Hard

Trenton

27 PPM · Slightly Hard

Hoboken

61 PPM · Moderately Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Jersey City Water

Is Jersey City tap water safe to drink?
Jersey City's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. PFAS levels exceed the 2024 EPA health standard, which is a concern for long-term exposure. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Jersey City?
Probably not. At 39 PPM, Jersey City's water is on the softer end. Most homes will not experience noticeable scale buildup. That said, if you have high-end fixtures, a glass shower enclosure, or a tankless water heater, even mild hardness can leave mineral deposits over time. A salt-free conditioner is a low-cost insurance policy in that case.
What water filter is best for Jersey City?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For PFAS, look for a filter with NSF P473 certification. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis systems are both effective. Standard carbon pitcher filters may not remove PFAS adequately. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Jersey City's water come from?
Jersey City's drinking water is sourced from Boonton Reservoir and treated by SUEZ. Good reservoir water with lead in older buildings..
What is the hardness of Jersey City water in grains per gallon?
Jersey City's water hardness is 2.3 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 39 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Jersey City water damage tankless water heaters?
At 2.3 GPG, Jersey City's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Jersey City water safe for babies and infants?
Jersey City's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the SUEZ Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.