EPA system NJ1507005 · New Jersey
Veolia Water New Jersey Toms River: Lithium at or above EPA's 10 ppb health reference level
highest single sample; sampled August 2023–June 2024. Source: EPA UCMR 5 final release, August 2026.
Veolia Water New Jersey Toms River is a privately owned community water system in New Jersey serving about 123,184 people, matched to 3 ZIP codes.
MCL 4.0 ppt · at or above the MCL
MCL 4.0 ppt · below the MCL
health reference level 10 ppb · at or above the health reference level
What EPA says about what was found
- Lithium EPA's health reference level is derived from a 2008 provisional toxicity value based on effects seen at therapeutic lithium doses; EPA notes the assessment is provisional. EPA source
- PFOA EPA set the health goal (MCLG) for PFOA at zero. EPA's 2024 rule cites its health effects assessment linking PFOA exposure to certain cancers, immune and developmental effects, and changes in cholesterol. EPA source
- PFOS EPA set the health goal (MCLG) for PFOS at zero. EPA's 2024 rule cites its health effects assessment linking PFOS exposure to certain cancers, immune and developmental effects, and changes in cholesterol. EPA source
- PFBS EPA's 2021 PFBS toxicity assessment cites thyroid, kidney and developmental effects in animal studies. EPA source
Quoted from EPA assessments. This site adds no health claims of its own.
PFAS and lithium: what EPA's national survey found
EPA tested this water for 30 substances and found 4. PFOA averaged 4.9 ppt where EPA's limit is 4.0 ppt. EPA's limit applies to a running yearly average and is enforced from 2029. That PFOA result is higher than 93% of the 10,307 water systems EPA tested for it. Lithium reached 13.2 ppb; EPA's health reference level, which is guidance and not a limit, is 10 ppb.
Between August 2023 and June 2024, EPA's UCMR 5 program tested 420 samples from 7 sampling locations for 30 contaminants (29 PFAS plus lithium). 4 were detected above the reporting level in at least one sample. Averaged over a complete monitoring set, the highest sampling location for PFOA was 4.9 ppt, at or above the MCL of 4.0 ppt that applies from 2029 (highest single sample 9.8 ppt). Averaged over a complete monitoring set, the highest sampling location for PFOS was 2.4 ppt, below the MCL of 4.0 ppt that applies from 2029 (highest single sample 4.9 ppt). Lithium reached 13.2 ppb in a single sample, at or above the health reference level of 10 ppb, which is non-regulatory.
Show the 26 contaminants not detected above the reporting level
Full table: samples, detections, highest single sample, complete-set average and sampling dates for all 30 contaminants
| Contaminant | Samples | Detections | Highest single sample | Complete-set average (results used) | EPA reference | Status | Sampled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium | 14 | 3 | 13.2 ppb | 12.9 ppb (2 of 2) | 10 ppb health reference level · compared on the highest sample | at or above the health reference level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFOA | 14 | 1 | 9.8 ppt | 4.9 ppt (2 of 2) | 4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set average | at or above the MCL | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFOS | 14 | 2 | 4.9 ppt | 2.4 ppt (2 of 2) | 4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set average | below the MCL | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFBS | 14 | 3 | 8.0 ppt | 7.3 ppt (2 of 2) | 2,000 ppt health-based water concentration · compared on the highest sample | below the health-based water concentration | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 14 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| 4:2 FTS | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| 6:2 FTS | 14 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| 8:2 FTS | 14 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | 14 | 0 | < 2.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| ADONA | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 14 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| NEtFOSAA | 14 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| NFDHA | 14 | 0 | < 20.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| NMeFOSAA | 14 | 0 | < 6.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFBA | 14 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | 6,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFDA | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFDoA | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFEESA | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFHpA | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFHpS | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFHxA | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 3,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFHxS | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFMBA | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFMPA | 14 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFNA | 14 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFPeA | 14 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFPeS | 14 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFTA | 14 | 0 | < 8.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFTrDA | 14 | 0 | < 7.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
| PFUnA | 14 | 0 | < 2.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | August 2023 – June 2024 |
Sampling-point average: mean of a location's two (ground water) or four (surface water) UCMR 5 results with non-detects counted as zero, EPA's method for comparing UCMR 5 data to the PFAS MCLs. EPA rounds to the reference value's significant digits before deciding whether an average is "greater than" an MCL (PFOA/PFOS averages count as above 4.0 ng/L only from 4.05 ng/L; lithium results count as above the 10 ppb reference only from 15 ppb). This site does not apply that rounding: "at or above" here means the measured value is numerically at or above the reference.
Every detection by sampling location (9 results)
| Date | Sampling location | Source water | Contaminant | Result | Reporting level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 7, 2023 | Entry Point to Dist. System Brookside Plant | ground water | Lithium | 13.2 ppb | 9 ppb |
| Aug 7, 2023 | Entry Point to Dist. System Berkeley Plant | ground water | PFOS | 4.9 ppt | 4.0 ppt |
| Oct 19, 2023 | Entry Point to Dist. System Jakes Branch (Str) | ground water | PFBS | 8.0 ppt | 3.0 ppt |
| Oct 19, 2023 | Entry Point to Dist. System Whitesville - Route 70 WTP | ground water | PFBS | 7.9 ppt | 3.0 ppt |
| Oct 19, 2023 | Entry Point to Dist. System Whitesville - Route 70 WTP | ground water | PFOA | 9.8 ppt | 4.0 ppt |
| Oct 19, 2023 | Entry Point to Dist. System Whitesville - Route 70 WTP | ground water | PFOS | 4.4 ppt | 4.0 ppt |
| Feb 15, 2024 | Entry Point to Dist. System Brookside Plant | ground water | Lithium | 12.6 ppb | 9 ppb |
| Mar 21, 2024 | Entry Point to Dist. System Jakes Branch (Str) | ground water | PFBS | 6.6 ppt | 3.0 ppt |
| Jun 13, 2024 | Entry Point to Dist. System Windsor Plant | ground water | Lithium | 10.2 ppb | 9 ppb |
Utility-reported context (UCMR 5 questionnaire, aggregated across sampling events): PFAS previously found at this system: yes at 14 of 14 sampling events; potential PFAS sources nearby: no at 14 of 14 sampling events; PFAS treatment in place: no PFAS treatment at 14 of 14 sampling events.
Lead at customer taps
In the latest completed monitoring period, ending Dec 31, 2025, 9 in 10 sampled homes had lead at or below 0.8 ppb, below the 15 ppb action level that triggers utility action. None of the 23 periods on record reached it.
In the most recent completed lead monitoring period, ending Dec 31, 2025, the 90th-percentile lead result at customer taps was 0.8 ppb, below the action level of 15 ppb (23 monitoring periods on record, none at the action level). The 90th percentile is the value that 9 in 10 sampled homes were at or below. Values are in parts per billion (ppb).
| Monitoring period | Metal | 90th percentile | Action level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | Lead | 0.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | Lead | 1.0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 | Lead | 0.7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2017 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2014 | Lead | 1 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2011 | Lead | 1 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
Show all 23 monitoring periods on record
| Monitoring period | Metal | 90th percentile | Action level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | Lead | 0.8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | Lead | 1.0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 | Lead | 0.7 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2017 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2014 | Lead | 1 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2011 | Lead | 1 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2006 – Dec 31, 2008 | Lead | 2 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2004 – Dec 31, 2006 | Lead | 2.5 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2003 – Dec 31, 2005 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 2003 – Dec 31, 2003 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 2002 – Dec 31, 2002 | Lead | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 2000 – Dec 31, 2000 | Lead | 4 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 1999 – Dec 31, 1999 | Lead | 4 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 1998 – Dec 31, 1998 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 1996 – Dec 31, 1996 | Lead | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 1996 – Jun 30, 1996 | Lead | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 1992 – Dec 31, 1992 | Lead | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
Drinking water violations since Sep 3, 2016
EPA lists 4 violations since Sep 3, 2016. None is health-based. All concern missed monitoring, reporting or public notices, not the water itself.
EPA's SDWIS database lists 4 violations recorded since Sep 3, 2016: 4 for monitoring or reporting, none health-based.
| Compliance period | Type | Contaminant / rule | Description | Records | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | MR | Lead and Copper Rule | Water Quality Parameter M/R | 1 record | Archived |
| Jan 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2025 | MR | Lead and Copper Rule | Water Quality Parameter M/R | 1 record | Archived · 2 enforcement actions |
| Jul 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 | MR | Lead and Copper Rule | Water Quality Parameter M/R | 1 record | Archived · 2 enforcement actions |
| Jul 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | MR | Lead and Copper Rule | Water Quality Parameter M/R | 1 record | Archived · 2 enforcement actions |
Sanitary surveys and site visits
Most recent state inspection: Mar 21, 2023 (sanitary survey); 2 visits since Sep 3, 2021.
What you can do about these results
Filters certified to reduce PFOA and PFOS
EPA testing found 3 PFAS above reporting levels in this utility's water.
Look for NSF/ANSI 53 (activated carbon) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) certification that names PFOA/PFOS reduction.
Lithium: what reduces it
Lithium reached 13.2 ppb in a single sample, at or above EPA's non-regulatory 10 ppb health reference level.
No NSF/ANSI certification claim exists for lithium. Reverse osmosis systems reduce dissolved minerals generally; we do not recommend a specific product for lithium.
ZIP codes served
Sources
Data vintage: EPA UCMR 5 occurrence data, samples collected 2023-01-03 – 2026-06-17, final release, August 2026 (file dated Aug 28, 2026); EPA SDWIS via ECHO, 2026Q2 extract (file dated Jul 9, 2026); EPA service-area boundaries v3.0; Census 2020 ZCTAs. Page generated 2026-09-03.
- EPA ECHO detailed facility report
- EPA UCMR 5 Data Finder
- EPA service-area boundary: modeled, 46.5 sq mi
