Pennsauken Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Merchantville-Pennsauken Water Commission (MPWC) serves Pennsauken Township and Merchantville Borough in Camden County, New Jersey, providing water to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across approximately 10 square miles. MPWC operates five treatment facilities primarily pumping groundwater from 15 wells tapping the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy (PRM) Aquifer. Due to a 1993 NJDEP reduction in permitted pumping capacity, MPWC augments supply with approximately 1% purchased from New Jersey American Water Company (NJAWC), which draws from the Delaware River and additional PRM and Mt. Laurel-Wenonah Aquifer groundwater sources.

Pennsauken's water originates from the PRM Aquifer within the broader Delaware River Watershed, where Cretaceous-era coastal plain sediments shape the supply's chemistry. The aquifer's unconsolidated sands and clays, interspersed with carbonate-rich layers from the Raritan and Magothy groups, promote dissolution of minerals, yielding a hard supply with elevated calcium and magnesium. NJAWC's Delaware River intake adds riverine influences from the Piedmont and Appalachian physiographic provinces, but the dominant groundwater component retains the aquifer's mineralized, hard-water character.

Very hard water in Pennsauken causes significant scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Faucet aerators and showerheads clog quickly while boilers suffer reduced heating performance. Regular vinegar descaling, installing scale-inhibiting filters, and flushing water heaters biannually are recommended. A whole-house water softener is highly recommended, though it may increase sodium levels. MPWC affirms full compliance with EPA and state standards; independent reviews note 1,4-dioxane and other contaminants exceeding health guidelines. Residents can contact MPWC at (856) 663-0043 for the latest CCR data.