Burlington County in southern New Jersey has a population of about 460,000, making it the state's largest county by area.
Burlington County in southern New Jersey has a population of about 460,000, making it the state's largest county by area. Water sources include the Rancocas Creek, the Delaware River, and groundwater from the Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst – a massive tri-service military installation – occupies a significant portion of the county's eastern section and has created one of the most well-documented PFAS contamination zones in the northeastern United States.
Joint Base MDL has confirmed extensive PFAS contamination from AFFF firefighting foam use across all three of its component facilities. According to the Air Force's 2024 environmental investigation, groundwater monitoring wells on and near the base detected PFOS at concentrations exceeding 10,000 ppt in some locations – among the highest readings at any military installation nationally. New Jersey's strict PFAS MCLs of 13 ppt for PFOA and 14 ppt for PFOS mean that even low-level migration from the base triggers regulatory action.
The military has provided alternative water supplies and treatment systems to affected residents and water systems near the base. A 2024 NJDEP compliance report documented that eight public water systems in Burlington County detected PFAS above state MCLs, with several installing granular activated carbon treatment.
Burlington County near Joint Base MDL is one of the highest-concentration PFAS areas in the country. If you are within a few miles of the base, PFAS testing of your water – whether public system or private well – is a practical priority.
Check your water for current data on your system. For PFAS at these concentration levels, reverse osmosis provides the most thorough removal. Our water filter guide identifies systems rated for high-concentration PFAS scenarios. Pull your detailed report for trends, and visit our New Jersey page for statewide context.