Union County, New Jersey: drinking water report. Union County sits in northeastern New Jersey, home to about 570,000 residents in communities like
Union County sits in northeastern New Jersey, home to about 570,000 residents in communities like Elizabeth, Union, and Plainfield. Elizabethtown Water Company (a subsidiary of American Water) serves the majority of the county from surface water sources including the Raritan River system and the Round Valley/Spruce Run reservoir complex.
New Jersey's strict PFAS standards (14 ppt PFOA, 13 ppt PFOS, 13 ppt PFNA) drive aggressive monitoring across Union County. UCMR5 data shows PFAS detections in county systems. The county's dense urban-industrial landscape includes potential PFAS sources from manufacturing, airports, and commercial operations.
According to the New Jersey DEP's 2024 compliance data, two Union County water systems required treatment upgrades to meet state PFAS MCLs. The Raritan River basin receives treated wastewater effluent from upstream communities, contributing to PFAS loading in the source water.
New Jersey's strict standards push utilities to treat for PFAS that would go unregulated in most states. Household filtration adds extra protection.
Check your water for data specific to your provider. Our water filter guide covers options that complement utility treatment. Pull your detailed report, and visit our New Jersey page for statewide data.