Tap Water Lookup

EPA system NJ2004001 · New Jersey

Nj American Water - Liberty: 2 PFAS found; PFOA averaged 2.2 ppt, below the 4.0 ppt limit

System ID NJ2004001; community water system; New Jersey; source: purchased surface water; serves 134,000 people via 19,023 connections; status: active

In focus134,000people served, EPA registry
Public records. Clearer context.
Highest result against its EPA referencePFOA
PFOA: 2.2 ppt; MCL 4.0 ppt. highest complete sampling-location average.2.2 pptMCL: 4.0 ppt

highest complete sampling-location average; sampled October 2023–July 2024. Source: EPA UCMR 5 final release, August 2026.

Nj American Water - Liberty is a privately owned community water system in New Jersey serving about 134,000 people, matched to 4 ZIP codes.

2.2 ppt
PFOA, highest complete-set average
4 of 4 results at the highest location; highest single sample 4.5 ppt
MCL 4.0 ppt · below the MCL
< 4.0 ppt
PFOS, highest complete-set average
4 samples, none above the reporting level
MCL 4.0 ppt · not detected above the reporting level
< 9 ppb
Lithium, highest single sample
4 samples, none above the reporting level
health reference level 10 ppb · not detected above the reporting level
2 / 29
PFAS found above the reporting level
120 results, 1 entry points
0 at or above an MCL on the average basis
2 ppb
Lead 90th percentile
period ending Dec 31, 2025
action level 15 ppb · below the action level
0
health-based violations since Sep 3, 2016
0 violations in total

PFAS treatment declared to EPA: None declared (4 of 4 sampling events) · PFAS found before UCMR 5: Yes, at 4 of 4 sampling events

What EPA says about what was found

  • 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

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 2. PFOA averaged 2.2 ppt where EPA's limit is 4.0 ppt. That PFOA result is higher than 90% of the 10,307 water systems EPA tested for it.

Between October 2023 and July 2024, EPA's UCMR 5 program tested 120 samples from 1 sampling location for 30 contaminants (29 PFAS plus lithium). 2 were detected above the reporting level in at least one sample. Averaged over a complete monitoring set, the highest sampling location for PFOA was 2.2 ppt, below the MCL of 4.0 ppt that applies from 2029 (highest single sample 4.5 ppt).

Result EPA comparesNot detected, shown at the reporting levelEPA reference value, at the middle of each row's scale
ContaminantResult against the EPA referenceResultStatus
PFPeAhighest single sample
3.7 ppt
detected; no EPA reference value
PFOAcomplete-set average
2.2 ppt
below the MCL
Show the 28 contaminants not detected above the reporting level
11Cl-PF3OUdSnot detected · reporting level 5.0 ppt
< 5.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
4:2 FTSnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
6:2 FTSnot detected · reporting level 5.0 ppt
< 5.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
8:2 FTSnot detected · reporting level 5.0 ppt
< 5.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
9Cl-PF3ONSnot detected · reporting level 2.0 ppt
< 2.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
ADONAnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
HFPO-DA (GenX)not detected · reporting level 5.0 ppt
< 5.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
Lithiumnot detected · reporting level 9 ppb
< 9 ppb
not detected above the reporting level
NEtFOSAAnot detected · reporting level 5.0 ppt
< 5.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
NFDHAnot detected · reporting level 20.0 ppt
< 20.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
NMeFOSAAnot detected · reporting level 6.0 ppt
< 6.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFBAnot detected · reporting level 5.0 ppt
< 5.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFBSnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFDAnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFDoAnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFEESAnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFHpAnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFHpSnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFHxAnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFHxSnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFMBAnot detected · reporting level 3.0 ppt
< 3.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFMPAnot detected · reporting level 4.0 ppt
< 4.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFNAnot detected · reporting level 4.0 ppt
< 4.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFOSnot detected · reporting level 4.0 ppt
< 4.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFPeSnot detected · reporting level 4.0 ppt
< 4.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFTAnot detected · reporting level 8.0 ppt
< 8.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFTrDAnot detected · reporting level 7.0 ppt
< 7.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
PFUnAnot detected · reporting level 2.0 ppt
< 2.0 ppt
not detected above the reporting level
Full table: samples, detections, highest single sample, complete-set average and sampling dates for all 30 contaminants
ContaminantSamplesDetectionsHighest single sampleComplete-set average (results used)EPA referenceStatusSampled
PFPeA423.7 ppt1.8 ppt (4 of 4)none setdetected; no EPA reference valueOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFOA424.5 ppt2.2 ppt (4 of 4)4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set averagebelow the MCLOctober 2023 – July 2024
11Cl-PF3OUdS40< 5.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
4:2 FTS40< 3.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
6:2 FTS40< 5.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
8:2 FTS40< 5.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
9Cl-PF3ONS40< 2.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
ADONA40< 3.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
HFPO-DA (GenX)40< 5.0 ppt10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set averagenot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
Lithium40< 9 ppb10 ppb health reference level · compared on the highest samplenot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
NEtFOSAA40< 5.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
NFDHA40< 20.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
NMeFOSAA40< 6.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFBA40< 5.0 ppt6,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest samplenot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFBS40< 3.0 ppt2,000 ppt health-based water concentration · compared on the highest samplenot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFDA40< 3.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFDoA40< 3.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFEESA40< 3.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFHpA40< 3.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFHpS40< 3.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFHxA40< 3.0 ppt3,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest samplenot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFHxS40< 3.0 ppt10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set averagenot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFMBA40< 3.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFMPA40< 4.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFNA40< 4.0 ppt10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set averagenot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFOS40< 4.0 ppt4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set averagenot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFPeS40< 4.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFTA40< 8.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFTrDA40< 7.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
PFUnA40< 2.0 pptnone setnot detected above the reporting levelOctober 2023 – July 2024
UCMR 5 is a one-time national monitoring survey. Its results do not indicate compliance or non-compliance with the PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels, which are enforced on running annual averages and take effect in 2029 (EPA has proposed allowing extensions to 2031). A single result above a limit on this page is a measurement, not a violation.

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 (4 results)
DateSampling locationSource waterContaminantResultReporting level
Oct 16, 2023Lidgerwood Interconnection Njawc Raritan Consecutive Connectionsurface waterPFOA4.3 ppt4.0 ppt
Oct 16, 2023Lidgerwood Interconnection Njawc Raritan Consecutive Connectionsurface waterPFPeA3.7 ppt3.0 ppt
Jul 30, 2024Lidgerwood Interconnection Njawc Raritan Consecutive Connectionsurface waterPFOA4.5 ppt4.0 ppt
Jul 30, 2024Lidgerwood Interconnection Njawc Raritan Consecutive Connectionsurface waterPFPeA3.4 ppt3.0 ppt

Utility-reported context (UCMR 5 questionnaire, aggregated across sampling events): PFAS previously found at this system: yes at 4 of 4 sampling events; potential PFAS sources nearby: not known at 4 of 4 sampling events; PFAS treatment in place: no PFAS treatment at 4 of 4 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 2 ppb, below the 15 ppb action level that triggers utility action. The action level has been reached in 1 of the 21 periods on record.

Action level 15 ppb015Jan 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2011: 3 ppbJan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2014: 2 ppbJan 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2017: 2 ppbJul 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017: 3 ppbJan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018: 6 ppbJan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019: 2 ppbJan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020: 2 ppbJan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021: 2 ppbJan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022: 3 ppbJan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023: 2 ppbJan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024: 2 ppbJan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025: 2 ppbDec 31, 2011Dec 31, 20252 ppb

In the most recent completed lead monitoring period, ending Dec 31, 2025, the 90th-percentile lead result at customer taps was 2 ppb, below the action level of 15 ppb; 1 of the 21 monitoring periods on record reached 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 periodMetal90th percentileAction levelStatus
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022Lead3 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018Lead6 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jul 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017Lead3 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2017Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2014Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2011Lead3 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Show all 21 monitoring periods on record
Monitoring periodMetal90th percentileAction levelStatus
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022Lead3 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018Lead6 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jul 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017Lead3 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2017Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2014Lead2 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2011Lead3 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2006 – Dec 31, 2008Lead5 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2003 – Dec 31, 2005Lead5 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2005 – Dec 31, 2005Lead5 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2004 – Dec 31, 2004Lead0 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jul 1, 2001 – Dec 31, 2001Lead6 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 2000 – Jun 30, 2000Lead7 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jan 1, 1999 – Jun 30, 1999Lead12 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jul 1, 1998 – Dec 31, 1998Lead13 ppb15 ppbbelow the action level
Jul 1, 1992 – Dec 31, 1992Lead32 ppb15 ppbat or above the action level

Drinking water violations since Sep 3, 2016

EPA lists no drinking-water violations for this utility since Sep 3, 2016.

EPA's SDWIS database lists no drinking water violations for this utility since Sep 3, 2016.

None on file.

Sanitary surveys and site visits

Most recent state inspection: Feb 22, 2024 (reason not recorded); 1 visit since Sep 3, 2021.

What you can do about these results

Filters certified to reduce PFOA and PFOS

EPA testing found 2 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.

Filters certified for lead reduction

1 of this utility's 21 lead monitoring periods on record reached the 15 ppb action level (most recent 90th percentile 2 ppb).

NSF/ANSI 53 with a lead-reduction claim, or NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis. Lead comes from plumbing, so a point-of-use filter at the kitchen tap is the relevant type.

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.

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