Last updated: April 2026.
🚿 New Jersey Shower Water Quality Report (2026)
Comprehensive analysis of New Jersey water quality across 4 cities • Based on real EWG testing data • Updated 2026
If you live in New Jersey, you may be showering in water that contains contaminants exceeding health guidelines — and you might not even know it. Our analysis of water quality data across 4 New Jersey cities reveals 8 contaminants that may exceed EWG health guidelines.
New Jersey faces unique water quality challenges including industrial legacy contamination and PFAS. Whether you're in Trenton or elsewhere in the state, understanding what's in your shower water is the first step toward protecting your skin and hair.
📊 New Jersey Water Quality at a Glance
Across New Jersey, we analyzed water quality data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) database. The results show that New Jersey residents may be exposed to a range of contaminants through their shower water — many at levels that exceed health guidelines set by the EWG, which are often stricter than federal legal limits.
⚠️ Top Contaminants Found in New Jersey Water
Based on EWG data analysis, here are the most significant contaminants detected in New Jersey water supplies:
| Contaminant | Avg. Level | EWG Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) | 0.0000 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ 3963.7x above |
| Radon | 1821.6667 pCi/L | 1.5000 pCi/L | ⚠️ 1214.4x above |
| Arsenic | 2.95 ppb | 0.0040 ppb | ⚠️ 738.7x above |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 43.42 ppb | 0.0600 ppb | ⚠️ 723.7x above |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 57.18 ppb | 0.1500 ppb | ⚠️ 381.2x above |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 35.17 ppb | 0.1000 ppb | ⚠️ 351.7x above |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) | 0.0000 ppt | 0.0000 ppt | ⚠️ 196.7x above |
| Bromodichloromethane | 11.08 ppb | 0.0600 ppb | ⚠️ 184.6x above |
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
The health guideline of 0.001 ppt for perfluorohexane sulfonate was defined by EWG based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water. This health guideline harm to the developing immune system.
National Average: 0.0000 ppt | New Jersey Average: 0.0000 ppt
Radon
The health guideline of for radon was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.
National Average: 47.6814 pCi/L | New Jersey Average: 1821.6667 pCi/L
Arsenic
The health guideline of 0.004 ppb for arsenic was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.
National Average: 0.6242 ppb | New Jersey Average: 2.95 ppb
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)
The health guideline of 0.06 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA9) was defined by EWG . This health guideline protects against cancer.
National Average: 23.70 ppb | New Jersey Average: 43.42 ppb
🏙️ City-by-City Water Quality in New Jersey
We've analyzed water quality in 4 New Jersey cities. Click on any city to see its detailed water quality report:
| City | Contaminants Found | Above EWG Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Newark | 57 | 26 |
| Trenton | 48 | 24 |
| Paterson | 36 | 16 |
| Jersey City | 29 | 15 |
🩺 Health Effects of New Jersey Water Contaminants
The contaminants found in New Jersey water may be associated with various health concerns. When you shower, your skin — your body's largest organ — can absorb these substances, and you may inhale steam containing volatile compounds.
🧴 Skin & Hair
🫁 Respiratory
- Steam inhalation of chlorine/VOCs
- May aggravate asthma symptoms
- Potential respiratory irritation
⚕️ Long-Term Concerns
- Disinfection byproduct exposure
- Eczema flare-ups
- Cumulative contaminant absorption
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from New Jersey Water Contaminants
The good news: you don't have to accept whatever comes out of your New Jersey showerhead. A quality shower filter can significantly reduce many of the contaminants found in your water.
Key contaminants a shower filter can help address:
- Radon — learn about health effects and removal
- Arsenic — learn about health effects and removal
- Haloacetic acids (HAA9) — learn about health effects and removal
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) — learn about health effects and removal
Additionally, understanding common symptoms can help you identify water quality issues:
💧 Recommended Shower Filtration for New Jersey
Based on New Jersey's water quality profile, we recommend a multi-stage filtration system. Afina's shower filters use KDF-55 and activated carbon to target chlorine, heavy metals, and other common contaminants found in New Jersey water.
Afina Filtered Showerhead
Multi-stage filter built right into a high-pressure showerhead. No adapters needed.
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Attach between your pipe and any showerhead. KDF-55 + activated carbon filtration.
Shop Now →Replacement Filter
Keep your filtration fresh. Replace every 2-3 months for optimal contaminant removal.
Shop Now →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Jersey tap water safe to shower in?
While New Jersey tap water meets federal legal standards (MCLs), our analysis found 8 contaminants exceeding stricter EWG health guidelines. Federal limits don't always reflect the latest health research, so many health-conscious residents choose to add shower filtration for an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in New Jersey water?
Based on EWG data, New Jersey water contains up to 63 detected contaminants. The most notable include Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS), Radon, Arsenic. New Jersey faces specific challenges with industrial legacy contamination and PFAS.
Does New Jersey have hard water?
Many areas in New Jersey have hard water. Mineral content varies by region but may contribute to dry skin, buildup on fixtures, and hair issues.
Do I need a shower filter in New Jersey?
Given that New Jersey water contains contaminants above EWG health guidelines, a shower filter may help reduce your exposure to chlorine, heavy metals, and disinfection byproducts. This is especially important if you experience dry skin, itchy scalp, or hair issues after showering.
How does New Jersey water compare to the national average?
New Jersey is in the Mid-Atlantic region and faces water quality challenges common to the area, including industrial legacy contamination and PFAS. Some contaminants may be above national averages depending on your specific city and water source.
Data sourced from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database. This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: March 2026.
