Asbury Park Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

New Jersey American Water supplies Asbury Park and surrounding communities along the Jersey Shore through its Coastal North system. This mixed-source supply draws primarily from the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system and the deeper Atlantic City 800-Foot Sand aquifer, both located within the New Jersey Coastal Plain. During periods of high demand, surface water is also purchased to supplement the groundwater. Water undergoes advanced treatment at various facilities, including the Shark River Hills plant and other well stations. Treatment processes involve filtration, disinfection using chloramination, and corrosion control measures to ensure safe drinking water for the roughly 335,449 residents served.

The water originates from the New Jersey Outer Coastal Plain aquifer system, specifically the unconsolidated Cohansey Sand and Kirkwood Formation from the Miocene epoch, with contributions from Pleistocene marine deposits. These geological layers are characterized by glauconitic sands and gravels. While the underlying Cretaceous clays are generally impermeable, the aquifer sediments contain shell fragments and some limestone lenses. Natural leaching from these calcareous materials, along with the mineral-rich sands, imparts a moderately mineralized quality. This geology results in water that is harder than typical northern New Jersey groundwater but softer than supplies drawn from limestone-rich regions.

Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters can experience moderate scale buildup from this moderately hard water, potentially reducing their efficiency and leading to higher energy costs. Homeowners might notice reduced water flow from faucet aerators and showerheads due to clogging. To combat scale, monthly descaling of fixtures with vinegar and annual flushing of water heaters are recommended. Installing scale-inhibiting filters can also help. For households experiencing significant hard water effects, a water softener is advisable to prolong appliance lifespan and improve the lathering of soaps and detergents. The water meets federal standards, though occasional disinfection byproducts and naturally occurring radium from the geology are monitored.