D
54

US Water Score: D

Manchester Township, NJ 08759

Ocean County · Population served: 23,980 · Data updated July 2026

Service-area evidence: EPA service-area records associate the listed system with this ZIP. Boundaries may still overlap or change.

Water Systems Serving This Area

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MANCHESTER TWP WATER UTILITY - EASTERN
Groundwater · Pop. 23,980
PWSID: NJ1518005
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MANCHESTER TWP WATER UTILITY - WESTERN
Groundwater · Pop. 15,613
PWSID: NJ1518004

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
0.4
15 ppb 1 ppb Passed

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

6 detected 3 above comparison value

UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.

CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFHxS11.3 ppt10 ppt10 pptAbove comparison value
PFOA5.3 ppt4 ppt4 pptAbove comparison value
PFOS5.1 ppt4 ppt4 pptAbove comparison value
PFBS4.9 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow comparison value
PFPeA4.5 pptNo standardNo federal MCL shown
PFHxA3.4 pptNo standard400 pptNo federal MCL shown

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

32Total (5yr)
1Health-Based
28Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Manchester Township

Tap water quality in Manchester Township, New Jersey (08759) receives an overall grade of D (Elevated record-based concern) with a score of 54 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 17 points below the New Jersey state average of 71. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 23,980 people, using groundwater sources. Notably, 3 PFAS compounds exceed the EPA final MCL value used for comparison — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 32 violations, including 1 health-based violations.

Your Score 54/100 D
vs State 17 pts below New Jersey avg (71)
vs National 21 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 54/100 flags significant system-level concerns in the US Water Score model for Manchester Township, NJ. These may include violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS detections. Review the detailed records, your utility's Consumer Confidence Report, and qualified local guidance.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

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.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Manchester Township, New Jersey receives a grade of D (Elevated record-based concern) 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 08759 is served by 2 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 23,980 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.

Lead levels in Manchester Township, New Jersey are 0.4 ppb, which is at or below the health guideline of 1 ppb. This is a positive result, though periodic testing is still recommended.

Yes — 6 PFAS compounds were detected in records associated with water serving Manchester Township, New Jersey, and 3 results exceeded the numerical EPA MCL value used for comparison. UCMR5 occurrence results alone are not a regulatory compliance determination. PFAS rules and compliance timelines are evolving; verify current information with the utility and EPA.

Water systems serving Manchester Township, New Jersey have received 32 violations in the last 5 years, including 1 health-based violation. 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 (PFAS), residents in Manchester Township, 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.

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