Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) :

58:12A-26 et seq

The PWTA requires any seller in NJ, with a private well, is required to test their RAW, UNTREATED drinking water prior to any real estate closings. A current list of parameters and a brief explantation is below. Out of that list, three parameters iron, manganese, and pH or considered secondary standards. Secondary standards, as long as they are not excessively over the maximum contamination limit (MCL) would be considered a taste, odor or appearance, but minimal health risk. The rest are considered primary and if in exceedance has a greater potential health risk.

According to the NJDEP’s website, all results, excluding Total Coliform/ECOLI bacteria, are good for 1 year. Total Coliform results are valid for 6 months. However, it can differ upon mortgage lenders.

Knowing the names of the water treatment systems in your home will help with scheduling. The NJDEP requires a RAW untreated sample, so there should be no treatment system influence, sediment filters included. We can also collect any post treated samples at the initial visit.

Upon arrival, the water collector will assess which faucet is best suited for collection. Then they will need to gain access to the point of entry where the water enters the home. This includes the holding tank and visualization of any existing water treatment. Please make sure this area is accessible and free of debris.

Extra fees may be required based upon your local ordinance. Results are available 7-10 business days, however scheduling should take place approximately a month prior to closing date due to any water quality issues.

TOTAL COLIFORM

Surface water runoff in unsanitary conditions. Can present itself when the wellhead is buried underground, flush mounted, vaulted or can occur if the wellhead is not properly sealed with excess vegetation surrounding the well head. (septic water, spider habitat).

pH

Determines the acid or base levels in your drinking water which can cause deterioration or narrowing of your plumbing.

NITRATES

Originates from the break down of organic materials. (Fertilizer, Compost, Septic Systems)

LEAD, IRON, MANGANESE, ARSENIC (METALS)

Natural Elements found on the Earth. Iron and manganese are considered secondary standards. Lead and arsenic exceedances are considered primary. Lead is specific to the faucet in which it is taken from.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC)

Found in everyday household products (degreasers, gasoline, solvents, petroleum based products)

504’s (VOC) 1,2,3,-Trichloropropane, Ethylene dibromide, and Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)

Colorless liquid constitute found in Round Up.

GROSS ALPHA/URANIUM

Uranium is an element that has been in rocks since the earth was formed. The chemical properties of uranium in drinking water are of greater concern than its radioactivity. Most ingested uranium is eliminated from the body. However, a small amount is absorbed and carried through the bloodstream.

PFAs

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFAS are chemicals found in products such as teflon tape, nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, etc.