Is Raritan Bay Polluted?

The Raritan River has experienced pollution from industrial facilities toxic dumping for over 100 years. The watershed is also impacted by contaminated sites and sewage treatment systems. The south branch headwaters of the Raritan River begin at Budd Lake in Mt. Olive, which is the largest natural lake in the state.

Is it safe to swim in the Raritan Bay?

Swimming is permitted daily from daybreak 'til dusk (or 7pm – whichever is earlier), but there is no lifeguard on duty. A metered municipal parking lot is adjacent to the Bay Walks. Keansburg also offers nearby amusement and water parks.

How clean is the Raritan River?

The Raritan is still the 14th most polluted waterway in the nation, with 20 federal Superfund sites and 200 state-registered toxic sites along its banks and the banks of its tributaries. The Raritan Riverkeeper, as a program of Baykeeper, stops polluters, champions public access, and influences land use decisions.