A report released in mid-October 2026 found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — PFAS, or "forever chemicals" — present in surface water statewide across New Jersey. The findings, reported by NJ Spotlight News on October 14, add to a growing body of evidence that PFAS contamination is more widespread than previously publicly documented. Here's what residents need to know.
What PFAS Are
PFAS are a family of more than 12,000 man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, firefighting foam, and many other applications. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment or the human body under normal conditions — accumulating over time. They've been linked in scientific research to certain cancers, thyroid disease, immune system disruption, reproductive harm, and developmental effects in children. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for several PFAS compounds in drinking water, and both federal and New Jersey state governments have taken regulatory action.
What the New Report Found
The October 2026 report finding PFAS in New Jersey surface water statewide — rivers, streams, and other surface water bodies — indicates contamination extends beyond the specific industrial sites and military bases that have been the focus of most prior NJ PFAS remediation efforts. Surface water PFAS contamination matters because surface water is the source for many public drinking water systems, it's used for swimming and fishing, and it affects aquatic ecosystems. The statewide presence suggests PFAS pathways into New Jersey's environment are broader than any single industrial source.
How New Jersey Is Addressing PFAS
New Jersey has been one of the more aggressive states nationally on PFAS. The NJ DEP has established maximum contaminant levels for PFAS in drinking water that are among the strictest in the country — stricter than federal EPA standards in several instances. The state has pursued legal action against companies responsible for PFAS contamination at specific sites. Federal infrastructure law funding has provided resources for PFAS remediation at drinking water systems in NJ — municipalities including Mahwah, Fair Lawn, and Park Ridge have received federal funds specifically for PFAS removal from drinking water, per October 2026 local reporting.
What to Know About Your Water Supply
Public water systems are required to test for PFAS and report results to customers. Read your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — all public water systems must send customers a CCR that includes information about detected contaminants. If you haven't received yours, contact your water supplier or check the NJ DEP's drinking water quality database at nj.gov/dep/watersupply.
Private well owners are responsible for their own testing. Contact the NJ DEP's private well testing program for information on certified labs.
Point-of-use filters: Reverse osmosis systems and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 58 and 53/58 respectively are effective at reducing PFAS in drinking water. Look for NSF certification when evaluating filter options.
Fishing advisories: Check the NJ DEP's current fish consumption advisories before eating fish caught in NJ waters, particularly in areas with known PFAS contamination histories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Jersey drinking water safe from PFAS? NJ public water systems are required to test and report. Many utilities have implemented PFAS treatment. Check your Consumer Confidence Report or the NJ DEP database at nj.gov/dep/watersupply. Private well owners should test independently.
What filter removes PFAS from drinking water? Reverse osmosis systems and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 58 or 53/58. Look for NSF certification on any filter you consider.
How do I know if my water has PFAS? Public water: check your CCR or nj.gov/dep/watersupply. Private wells: arrange testing through a certified laboratory via the NJ DEP.
