New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (NJ PWTA)
The Private Well Testing Act was released in New Jersey in 2001 and its regulations went into effect 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 groundwater for up to 43 parameters.
PWTA testing is required for ALL property transactions, as well as any time a new well or treatment system is installed at a private residence or leased space. Those test results must be reviewed by both parties prior to the closing the of title.
![New Jersey Well Testing.](https://wwwdev.pacelabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NJ-Drinking-water-compliance-testing.webp)
Drinking Water Compliance Testing
Pace® provides drinking water compliance testing in accordance with the New Jersey PWTA. All analyses are performed in-house and supported with dedicated NJ State Certified Samplers. We offer:
- Short lead-time on scheduled sampling requests
- NJ State Certified Samplers and laboratory analysis
- Easy-to-read, interpretive reports
- State-required notifications and reporting of results
-
Standard 10-business day turnaround time (TAT)
on PWTA and drinking water services. - RUSH services available upon request
Additional charges for faster TAT and weekend service will apply.
New Jersey PWTA Testing FAQs
What contaminants must the well water be tested for?
The following parameters are required as a part of the NJ PWTA:
- Total Coliforms
- Nitrates
- pH
- Iron
- Manganese
- Lead
- E. Coli
- Arsenic
- Gross Alpha Particle Activity
- PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Synthetic Organic Compounds
What are the specific Volatile Organic Compounds
that must be tested for?
- Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride
- meta-Dichlorobenzene
- ortho-Dichlorobenzene
- para-Dichlorobenzene
- 1,1-Dichloroethane
- 1,2-Dicholoroethane
- 1,1-Dichloroethylene
- cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
- trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
- 1,2-Dichloropropane
- Ethylbenzene
- Methyl tertiary butyl ether
- Methylene chloride
- Monochlorobenzene
- Naphthalene
- Styrene
- 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
- Tetrachloroethylene
- Toluene
- 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
- 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
- 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
- Trichloroethylene
- Vinyl Chloride
- Xylenes (Total)
![New Jersey Well Testing. Synthetic organic Compound testing.](https://wwwdev.pacelabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Synthetic-Organic-Compounds.webp)
What are the Synthetic Organic Compounds that must be tested for?
- 1,2,3-Trichloropropane
- Ethylene Dibromide
- Dibromo-3-Chloropropane (1,2-)
Are there any additional special New Jersey County requirements?
Mercury is required for wells located in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem Counties.
Uranium is required for wells located in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren Counties.
![](https://wwwdev.pacelabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/New-Jersey-Well-Testing-Mercury-and-Uranioum.webp)
Arsenic Alert
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soils, groundwater, and well water. It is also a well-known carcinogen that is commonly detected in the bedrock of central and northern New Jersey. Due to the presence of arsenic, New Jersey homes with private wells are required to test for it when the property is sold. If arsenic levels exceed safe limits, an arsenic treatment system can be installed. However, recent research indicates that some of these treatment systems may be malfunctioning. To test your water for arsenic, please contact us today.