D
54

Poor Water Quality

Clarksboro, NJ 08020

Gloucester County · Population served: 22,500 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
EAST GREENWICH TWP WATER DEPT
Surface water · Pop. 9,900
PWSID: NJ0803001
🏔
MANTUA TOWNSHIP MUA
Surface water · Pop. 12,600
PWSID: NJ0810004

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
11.7
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning
Copper
2400.0
1300 ppb 300 ppb Exceeded

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

9 detected 4 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFNA73.3 ppt10 ppt10 pptExceeded
PFOA14.4 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOS8.9 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA5.6 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA5.5 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOA4.8 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA4.7 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA4.5 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

5Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
4Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Clarksboro

Tap water quality in Clarksboro, New Jersey (08020) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 54 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 8 points below the New Jersey state average of 62. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 22,500 people, using surface water sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead, Copper that warrant attention. Notably, 4 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals.

Your Score 54/100 D
vs State 8 pts below New Jersey avg (62)
vs National 21 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 54/100 signals poor water quality in Clarksboro, NJ. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

🔶

Copper in Your Water

Copper can leach into water from copper plumbing, especially in newer homes or when water is acidic.

Health Effects

Short-term exposure above 1,300 ppb can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.

Common Sources

Copper pipes, fittings, and faucets are the most common source. Corrosive (low-pH) water accelerates copper leaching.

What You Can Do

If copper levels are elevated, flush pipes by running water for 15–30 seconds before use. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively remove copper.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Clarksboro, New Jersey receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 54/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.

ZIP code 08020 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 22,500 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

Lead was detected at 11.7 ppb in Clarksboro, New Jersey. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

Yes — 9 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Clarksboro, New Jersey, and 4 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Clarksboro, New Jersey have received 5 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS, copper), residents in Clarksboro, New Jersey should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

Explore Nearby

Water Quality in Nearby ZIP Codes