Carteret Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Carteret, New Jersey, in Middlesex County in the industrial northern New Jersey corridor on the Arthur Kill waterway across from Staten Island, receives its municipal water from New Jersey American Water, drawing from the Raritan River basin reservoir system — primarily Round Valley Reservoir and the associated Spruce Run Reservoir network in Hunterdon County. This reservoir system provides water to much of central New Jersey, with New Jersey American Water treating and distributing supply through the Middlesex County service area including Carteret's dense industrial waterfront community.

The moderately soft 84 mg/L hardness and TDS of 159 mg/L reflect the Raritan River's moderate watershed mineral yield. The Raritan and its tributaries drain the Triassic Newark Basin of north-central New Jersey — composed of the Brunswick Formation (red sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone with calcareous cement) and Lockatong Formation argillites. These Triassic rift basin sedimentary rocks release modest mineral content into watershed runoff, producing water that is moderately soft by New Jersey standards. The Round Valley and Spruce Run reservoir storage moderates seasonal quality variations, delivering consistent soft water through the NJAW distribution system.

At 84 mg/L, Carteret's water is moderately soft — comfortable for everyday household use. Scale forms slowly in kettles and appliances over many months, soap lathers well, and glassware from the dishwasher needs minimal rinse aid. Semi-annual descaling of heating appliances is adequate for this softness level. The primary concern is the elevated PFAS level of 7.7 ppt — Carteret's position in the industrial Arthur Kill corridor, surrounded by petrochemical refineries, chemical manufacturing plants, and port facilities, contributes to elevated PFAS in the regional Middlesex County water supply. A certified reverse osmosis filter for drinking and cooking water is strongly advisable.