Watch / PFAS explained
PFAS 101
2:57Autoplays without sound.
Environmental scienceNew Jersey / 2026
What’s in your water—and what can you do next?
NJPFAS brings together accessible explanations, local contamination data, testing resources, treatment options, and news and policy updates to help New Jersey residents better understand PFAS pollution and take informed action.
New Jersey resident guideScience · Data · Action
New Jersey / At a glance
PFAS in New Jersey — Key Facts
≈556
Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) interactive map shows that New Jersey has approximately 556 drinking water systems reporting PFAS concentrations above the proposed federal limit—the highest number in the nation. (Newsweek)
#2
New Jersey ranks #2 in the U.S. for PFAS in drinking water. During 2019-2021 63% NJ community water systems detected PFAS at least once, and these systems serve 84% of the population using public water. (ABC News)
Paulsboro
Some wells in Paulsboro, Gloucester County, New Jersey, recorded among the highest PFNA levels ever reported globally, and an industrial source was later identified. (NJDEP)
11.2%
Of private wells sampled in New Jersey, 11.2% contained levels above the State drinking water standard (Maximum Contaminant Level, MCL) for at least one of the PFAS tested. (NJDEP)
PFAS contamination spans the I-95 corridor from North Jersey to Philadelphia’s suburbs. Industrial zones, landfills, airports, and firefighting training sites are major hotspots.
Communities of color in NJ are significantly more likely to be served by water systems with PFAS detections.
Legacy contamination, especially in groundwater, may persist for decades.
The Resident Desk
From a question about water to a practical response.
PFAS 101: science & health
Open the PFAS 101 guideMaps & Data: find local records
Open Maps & DataDecide whether to test
Public systems test and report results. Private-well owners are responsible for arranging their own testing through a certified laboratory.
Review testing guidanceRespond to a result
See response optionsPublic water
Look up your water system.
New Jersey public water systems are required to test for PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS. Results are available through NJDEP Drinking Water Watch.
NJ Drinking Water WatchPrivate well
Arrange certified testing.
Find a certified laboratoryField Notes
Listening in
New Jersey.
A Field Investigation of PFAS Contamination in New Jersey. Watch four interviews from Frank’s project.
Field interview / 01
Erin Dutorow
A Field Investigation of PFAS Contamination in New Jersey.
Interview video · 4:19
Watch the interview ▶
Recommended Reading
Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation
A Pulitzer Prize–winning investigation of toxic chemical pollution and childhood cancer in New Jersey—providing historical context for today’s PFAS crisis.
They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals
A WASHINGTON POST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A gripping investigation of the chemical industry’s decades-long campaign to hide the dangers of forever chemicals (PFAS), told through the story of a small town on the frontlines of an epic public health crisis.
Newsroom
Follow the science and the policy.
Key Structural Problems in TSCA
Policy explainer
New Jersey and federal PFAS regulation
Compare drinking-water standards, timelines, enforcement, and related laws.
Science & solutions
How PFAS are detected and removed
Local context
PFAS hotspots in New Jersey
Explore documented examples involving industry, legacy pollution, and firefighting foam.
Policy & public support