Cumberland County, New Jersey: drinking water report. Cumberland County in southern New Jersey has about 150,000 residents, with Vineland and Millville as…
Cumberland County in southern New Jersey has about 150,000 residents, with Vineland and Millville as the largest communities. The county sits atop the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer, drawing most of its water from groundwater wells. Agriculture dominates the landscape – nurseries, vegetable farms, and poultry operations make this one of New Jersey's most productive agricultural counties. The sandy coastal plain soils that support farming also allow contaminants to reach the aquifer quickly.
Pesticide contamination in groundwater has been documented across Cumberland County for decades. According to the NJDEP's 2024 groundwater quality report, atrazine and metolachlor – both widely used herbicides – were detected in 18% of sampled wells in the county. While most detections fell below MCLs, the frequency indicates widespread agricultural impact on the shallow aquifer.
The Vineland Chemical Company Superfund site adds industrial contamination to the picture. Arsenic from the former pesticide manufacturing plant contaminated soil and groundwater across 150 acres. EPA monitoring in 2024 showed arsenic concentrations above 50 ppb in some downgradient wells – five times the MCL of 10 ppb. PFAS detections have also been documented in two public water systems in the county.
Cumberland County's combination of shallow aquifer, intensive agriculture, and Superfund legacy makes private well testing a real priority. Municipal systems treat for regulated contaminants, but well owners are responsible for their own monitoring.
Check your water for data on your water source. For arsenic, only specific treatment technologies work – reverse osmosis and adsorptive media, not standard carbon filters. Our water filter guide identifies which systems are certified for arsenic removal. Pull your detailed report for local trends, and visit our New Jersey page for statewide data.