June 14, 2026
Perth Amboy, NJ Water Quality Report 2026
Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.
Full contaminant breakdown
EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.
| Contaminant | Avg. detected | Highest sample | Federal limit | Avg. vs. limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeadEPA health goal: zero | 30 ppb | 375 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | 200% — above |
| Gross alpha radioactivityEPA health goal: zero | 12.7 pCi/L | 18.2 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | 84% |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 58.6 ppb | 125 ppb | 80 ppb | 73% |
| Radium (combined)EPA health goal: zero | 2.98 pCi/L | 4.42 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 60% |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 24.3 ppb | 86 ppb | 60 ppb | 40% |
| Thallium | 0.479 ppb | 0.636 ppb | 2 ppb | 24% |
| Copper | 183 ppb | 4290 ppb | 1300 ppb (action level) | 14% |
| Nitrate | 1430 ppb | 1430 ppb | 10000 ppb | 14% |
| Fluoride | 445 ppb | 651 ppb | 4000 ppb | 11% |
| Selenium | 3.2 ppb | 3.46 ppb | 50 ppb | 6% |
| ArsenicEPA health goal: zero | 0.533 ppb | 1 ppb | 10 ppb | 5% |
| Barium | 85.5 ppb | 243 ppb | 2000 ppb | 4% |
| Mercury (inorganic) | 0.042 ppb | 0.042 ppb | 2 ppb | 2% |
| Beryllium | 0.044 ppb | 0.044 ppb | 4 ppb | 1% |
| Chromium (total) | 0.915 ppb | 1.34 ppb | 100 ppb | 1% |
Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, Antimony, Asbestos, Benzene, Cadmium, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, Cyanide, DBCP, Dichloromethane, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Nitrate + nitrite, Nitrite, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Toluene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Uranium, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
Reverse osmosis (drinking water)
The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.
Shop reverse osmosis →Whole-house carbon filtration
The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.
Shop whole-house systems →Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.
Water Utility: Perth Amboy Water Department
Population Served: 52,328 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026
Perth Amboy, New Jersey drinking water is supplied by Perth Amboy Water Department. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.
EPA Health-Based Violation History
The following contaminants exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at this utility since 2010:
| Contaminant | Violation Years | Filter Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon And U | 2025-2026 | Water Filters |
| Lead And Copper Rule | 2018 | Whole House Filters |
| Tthm | 2019 | Water Filters |
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.
PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections
PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.
| PFAS Compound | Level Detected | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| PFPeA | 0.0043 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
| HFPO-DA | 0.0131 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
| PFOA | 0.0142 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
| PFHxA | 0.0038 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
| PFOS | 0.0042 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
| PFHpA | 0.0034 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
| PFBA | 0.0050 ug/L | PFAS Filters |
Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.
Should You Filter Your Perth Amboy Water?
Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.
Protect Your Perth Amboy Home Water
PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems certified to reduce PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS. We ship to all New Jersey addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.
Shop PFAS Water Filters →Take the Water QuizFrequently Asked Questions
Is Perth Amboy tap water safe to drink?
Perth Amboy Water Department is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.
Does Perth Amboy water have PFAS?
PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.
What water filter works best for Perth Amboy?
A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.
Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.