In March 2001, the
New Jersey Private Well Testing
Act (PWTA) was signed into law,
and its regulations became effective
in September 2002. The PWTA is a
consumer information law that requires
sellers (or buyers) of property
with potable wells in NJ to test
the untreated ground water for a
variety of water quality parameters,
including up to 32 of human health
concern, and to review the test
results prior to closing of title.
Landlords are also required to test
their well water once every five
years and to provide each tenant
with a copy of the test results.
The test data is submitted electronically
by the test laboratories to the
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
for retention, notifying health
department of water quality issues,
and statewide analysis of ground
water quality.
Approximately 20
to 25% of the wells in the State
have been tested under this program.
Several maps were created from some
of the PWTA data. These maps are
intended to provide information
to homeowners about potential risks
in their municipalities. Homeowners
with private wells are encourage
to test their wells for bacteria,
nitrates and other contaminants
that have been found to be problems
in their municipalities.
NJDEP regulates
the construction of private wells.
A newly constructed well is tested
once for the presence of the contaminants
regulated under the Safe Drinking
Water Act. Post construction regulation
of private wells is the responsibility
of individual counties or other
local agencies.
For
more information on the Private
Well Testing Act please go to http://www.state.nj.us/dep/pwta/
