Groundwater in Ocean County contains iron, chloride, radon, and PFOA/PFOS compounds that well owners should monitor. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making water testing and treatment important for your household.
These contaminants come from multiple sources in the area. Iron occurs naturally in the sandy and gravelly layers that make up the aquifer system here. Chloride enters groundwater from saltwater intrusion near the coast and from road salt used on pavement. Radon seeps into water from radioactive minerals in the rock and soil. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated some wells through past manufacturing and military activities in the region.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron, which is the main mineral character of the water. Iron concentrates in the water because the sandy aquifer contains iron-rich minerals that dissolve as water moves through. This elevated iron is common across many wells in Ocean County, though levels vary from well to well.
Wells in Ocean County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS are human-made chemicals linked to health problems including liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system effects. Chloride at elevated levels can affect people with high blood pressure or heart conditions. Iron itself is not a health threat at the levels found here, but it often travels with other contaminants.
High iron in county wells causes orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. Iron buildup can clog pipes and reduce water pressure over time. These problems are annoying but do not pose health risks.
We recommend a comprehensive water test right away, since your well may have much higher or much lower contamination than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel checking for metals, minerals, and chemicals runs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems can remove many of these contaminants.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 668 | 41% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 210 | 20% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 654 | 18% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 209 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Radon | 78 | 3% | Moderate | Low ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 2682 | 2% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 207 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 707 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 409 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 484 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 262 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 739 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 208 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 210 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 560 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 77 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 7* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 730 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 208 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 1293 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 826 | — | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 7* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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