Gloucester County, New Jersey: drinking water report. Gloucester County sits across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, with about 302,000 residents.
Gloucester County sits across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, with about 302,000 residents. Most communities rely on groundwater from the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system, one of the largest shallow aquifers on the East Coast. New Jersey American Water serves many of the county's municipalities. The aquifer's shallow depth and sandy composition make it productive but also vulnerable to contamination from surface activities.
The Lipari Landfill in Pitman was once ranked the nation's worst Superfund site. According to EPA records, the landfill accepted chemical waste from Philadelphia-area industries during the 1950s-1970s, and volatile organic compounds migrated into the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer. While active remediation has reduced contamination levels, the plume remains under long-term monitoring.
PFAS is a newer concern. New Jersey's PFAS MCLs – among the nation's strictest – have triggered detections across Gloucester County water systems. The NJDEP's 2024 monitoring data identified PFNA exceedances in two public systems before treatment upgrades. Agricultural activity in the county's southern half adds nitrate loading to the shallow aquifer.
The Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer's shallow, sandy nature means it responds quickly to surface contamination – both absorbing pollution and, on the positive side, responding to cleanup efforts. If you are on a private well, annual testing is essential.
Check your water for the latest data at your address. For the mix of legacy industrial compounds, PFAS, and agricultural nitrate common in this area, reverse osmosis provides the most comprehensive household protection. Our water filter guide details certified systems. Pull your detailed report for historical context, and visit our New Jersey page for statewide patterns.