The water supplied to homes in Burlington and Camden areas, including towns such as Audubon, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel, originates from surface water sources managed by NJ American Water - Western. This system serves over 270,000 people through more than 100,000 connections. While government records show no health-based violations for regulated contaminants, microplastics are a growing concern in surface water supplies across the United States.
What do 'detected', 'median', and 'range' mean in the sampling record on this page?
Government water quality records for NJ American Water - Western report results from regulated contaminants but do not include measurements for microplastics. Terms like 'detected' refer to the presence of a substance at any measurable level during sampling, but this alone does not indicate a safety issue or violation. 'Median' represents the middle value found when multiple samples are ranked, and 'range' describes the spread from lowest to highest measurements. Since no federal monitoring data exists for microplastics in this system, these statistical terms do not apply directly to that constituent here.
What does a certified laboratory test for microplastics report and how should one read it?
To understand microplastics in your home water, a certified laboratory test involves filtering a water sample through specialized membranes to capture particles typically identified by size, shape, and chemical composition. The report will specify the count of microplastic particles per volume and detail their types, such as fibers or fragments. Such a test provides a direct measurement specific to your water, as regional or system-wide data does not currently include this information.
What household symptoms do and do not indicate microplastics presence?
Unlike some water issues that produce taste, odor, or visible particles, microplastics typically do not cause immediate sensory symptoms detectable by household members. They are microscopic, making cloudy water or unusual smells unlikely indicators. Therefore, the absence of common water quality symptoms does not rule out microplastics. Conversely, visible debris or sediment often originates from different causes.
Why do aesthetic secondary standards differ from health-based limits in relation to microplastics?
Water quality regulations distinguish between aesthetic secondary standards—which address taste, odor, and appearance—and health-based limits that protect against contamination posing health risks. For microplastics, there are currently no established federal health-based limits or aesthetic standards. This means that while microplastics might affect the visual or textural experience of water, no regulatory threshold currently defines them as unsafe. Understanding this distinction helps consumers focus on what testing and treatment can achieve.
How do sample depth, well depth, or source type influence expectations about microplastics?
Microplastics are most commonly associated with surface water sources like rivers and reservoirs, where runoff and environmental contamination can introduce particles. NJ American Water - Western’s use of surface water suggests a potential pathway for microplastics to enter the water supply. In contrast, groundwater collected from deeper wells typically has lower microplastic presence due to natural filtration. Sampling considerations include where the water is drawn from and at what stage in treatment, as these affect microplastic concentrations.
In summary, microplastics are an emerging water quality consideration for households served by surface water systems like NJ American Water - Western in Burlington and Camden. While government data does not report microplastics presence, certified lab testing can determine their levels in individual homes. Using specialized filtration options such as the Pentair Microplastics Filter, which ships ready to configure, offers a documented method to address microplastics where needed.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA SDWIS record for NJ AMERICAN WATER - WESTERN (NJ0327001), surface water supply, serving 274291 people: 0 health-based violations of 11 total; lead 90th percentile 0.001 mg/L
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