Is Salem tap water safe to drink?
- Lower Alloways Creek, NJ
- Mannington, NJ
- Elsinboro, NJ
- Salem
The short answer for Salem
Salem tap water has PFOA above EPA guidelines at 1.2× the limit (tested November 2023). See the full report with all tested compounds and filter options.
The health risk for Salem
- PFOA above limit.
PFOA (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.
Here's what actually removes PFAS from your water
The right filter eliminates PFAS at the tap. But not all filters do - and the type you choose matters for your home.
Common pitchers like Brita do not remove PFAS. You need a filter independently certified to NSF P473 (for pitcher filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (for reverse osmosis systems). All three options below carry the relevant certification.
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA Tested: November 2023 · SALEM WATER DEPARTMENT |
0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 18% above limit |
View all tested compounds
SALEM WATER DEPARTMENT · Tested: November 2023
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 18% above limit |
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFNA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxA | <0.003 µg/L | 3 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBA | <0.005 µg/L | 6 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOS | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFPeA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Water utilities serving ZIP 08079
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- SALEM WATER DEPARTMENTAction advised
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP 08079 Tap Water
What contaminants are above EPA limits in ZIP 08079?
ZIP 08079 has PFOA above EPA health guidelines in the latest available data at 1.2x the EPA guideline. The full table on this page lists every tested compound and its measured level.
Will boiling ZIP 08079 tap water remove PFOA?
No. Boiling does not remove PFAS, and the compounds can actually become more concentrated as water evaporates. To reduce PFAS at home, use a filter independently certified to NSF/ANSI P473 (activated-carbon pitcher or under-sink) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis).
Do basic pitcher filters remove PFOA?
Most basic pitcher filters are only certified to NSF/ANSI 42 or 53, which do not cover PFAS. Look for a filter independently certified to NSF/ANSI P473 (activated-carbon pitcher or under-sink) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) on the spec sheet.
Who provides tap water in ZIP 08079?
Public records identify SALEM WATER DEPARTMENT as a primary water system associated with ZIP 08079. Service boundaries can vary by address, so confirm exact service with the utility.
When was ZIP 08079 tap water last tested?
The most recent test date used in this report is November 2023. EnviroClarity last refreshed this page on 2026-05-05.
Where can I find the official water quality report for ZIP 08079?
Every U.S. public water system is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Contact SALEM WATER DEPARTMENT or visit their website for the latest official report covering ZIP 08079. The EPA also maintains a national CCR locator.
Check another ZIP code
Nearby ZIP reports
Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.