Water Quality in Camden, NJ: 20 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Camden's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Camden, NJ carry 20 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality Map: Camden, NJ
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Camden
Water quality varies across Camden's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08105 | C | 60 | 4 | 2 | View report → |
| 08104 | C | 65 | 4 | 2 | View report → |
| 08102 | B | 70 | 4 | 2 | View report → |
| 08103 | B | 70 | 4 | 2 | View report → |
| 08101 | B | 75 | 4 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Camden.
Water Quality Overview
Camden, New Jersey receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Camden have accumulated 20 EPA violations, including 10 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 46,585 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Camden's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Camden water systems is 0.0013 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 86% of homes built before 1986, Camden has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Camden is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Camden
Camden is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 46,585 people across 5 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 45 enforcement actions against water systems serving Camden. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Camden
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Camden Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Camden's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 20 | 5 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Camden:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| 2025 | 5 | 5 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Camden. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-28 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-15 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-08-22 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-08-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-07-14 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-28.
Camden vs. Nearby New Jersey Cities
How Camden's water quality compares to similar cities in New Jersey:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camden | C | 20 | 1 | 46,585 |
| Collingswood | C | 0 | 1 | 46,585 |
| Oaklyn | D | 0 | 1 | 46,585 |
| Morganville | D | 0 | 1 | 46,196 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Camden
Water quality varies across Camden's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08105 | 60 | C | 4 | 2 |
| 08104 | 65 | C | 4 | 2 |
| 08102 | 70 | B | 4 | 2 |
| 08103 | 70 | B | 4 | 2 |
| 08101 | 75 | B | 4 | 2 |
Common Questions About Camden Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Camden, New Jersey:
Is Camden water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Camden's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Camden tap water? Camden's water receives a grade of C (68/100). There are 10 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Camden? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Camden vs. New Jersey Average
Understanding how Camden compares to the broader New Jersey average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Camden.
ZIP Codes in Camden
Camden spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 08101. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.