OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (NJ PWTA)
In March 2001, the New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) was signed into law, 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 New Jersey to test the untreated groundwater for up to 43 parameters. Those test results must be reviewed by both parties prior to the closing the 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 results are submitted by the certified laboratory to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The results are also sent by the DEP to the local health authorities.
Approximately 25% of the wells in the State have been tested under this Act. Several online interactive maps were created to summarize PWTA data. These maps are intended to provide information to homeowners about potential risks in their area. Homeowners with private wells are encouraged to routinely test their wells. Please review our well testing page for more information.
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 the local health department.
Private Well Testing Act, N.J.S.A. 58:12A-26 et seq.
Private Well Testing Act, N.J.A.C. 7:9E et seq. (regulations)
NJ Private Well Testing Act FAQs
What does the New Jersey Private Well Testing Act, N.J.S.A. 58:12A-26 et seq. (PWTA) require?
The PWTA is a law that went into effect on September 14, 2002. The law requires that when property with certain types of drinking water wells are sold or leased, the well water must be tested for specific contaminants. The water test results must be reviewed by both the buyer and seller, or in the case of a leased property, by the lessee. If the well is only used for purposes other than drinking water, such as watering the lawn, then the well does not have to be tested under this Act.
When is testing required?
The Private Well Testing Act requires the testing under the following conditions:
- Sale of any property that obtains its drinking water from a private well located on the property, including new construction properties
- Sale of any property that obtains its drinking water from a well that has less than 15 service connections or that does not regularly serve an average of at least 25 people daily at least 60 days out of each year
- Leasing of any property that obtains its drinking water from a private well that isn’t required to be tested under to any other State law (must be completed every five years)
When in the real estate sales process does testing have to happen?
The Act requires the following:
- Every contract of sale for a property subject to the Act must include a provision requiring the testing as a condition of the sale
- A closing of the title for sale on a real property that is subject to the Act may not occur unless both the buyer and seller have received and reviewed a copy of the water test results, and have signed a paper certifying that they have received and reviewed a copy of the results
- Every time a rental property subject to the Act is leased, a written copy of the most recent test results must be given to the lessee
How much will the testing cost?
Laboratory testing rates vary, depending on how difficult it is to collect the sample, the location of the property in relation to the lab, and required parameters. The NJDEP estimates that the average price is between $1,200-$1,500. There may be additional costs based on whether it is necessary to analyze the field blank that is collected with the sample, which is required for PFAS and VOCs. This verifies that contaminants have not been accidentally introduced into the sample.
What will happen if the testing is not completed?
Testing of your well water is important for your family’s health. If testing is not done, you and your family may be subject to potential health risks and not know it. You may also be subject to enforcement action.
Will the lab notify me if my water is safe to drink?
The laboratory is required to report the test results to the individual who requested the test. The reporting form, provided by the NJDEP, will show how the well water results compare with State and Federal drinking water standards. NJ PWTA standards can be found here. All NJ drinking water standards can be found here.
Where can I find a list of New Jersey certified drinking water laboratories?
A list of New Jersey DEP certified drinking water laboratories that conduct PWTA testing can be found here.
What are the meanings of the terms MCL, Action Level, and recommended upper limit regarding Safe Drinking Water Standards?
MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): the maximum level of a primary contaminant that is allowed in drinking water in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and corresponding regulations.
Action levels: concentrations of certain primary contaminants (i.e., lead and copper) in drinking water at which treatment requirements may be initiated by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Regulations.
Recommended upper limit: the optimal range for secondary contaminants (i.e., iron, manganese, and pH) in accordance with the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Regulations.
What contaminants must the well water be tested for?
The following parameters are required as a part of the NJ PWTA:
- Total Coliform
- E. Coli*
- Nitrates
- pH
- Iron
- Manganese
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Gross Alpha Particle Activity
- PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA
- Volatile Organic Compounds**
- Synthetic Organic Compounds***
- Mercury (only required in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem counties)
- Uranium (only required in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties)
*E. Coli testing is only required if a sample tests positive for total coliform. See N.J.A.C. 7:9E-2.1(a)2.
**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)
***1,2,3-Trichloropropane, Ethylene Dibromide, Dibromo-3-Chloropropane (1,2-)
Where can I find a list of the drinking water standards for the required parameters?
A list of a the drinking water standards for the required parameters can be found here. When you receive your water test results, these standards are also listed on the reporting form.
My local jurisdiction also requires testing of private wells. Which set of regulations do I follow?
Both the local jurisdiction and state requirements must be met. If there is an overlap between the two, the more stringent of the two regulations will be followed. Please check with your local health authority or municipal office for further information.
May I test the well water for additional parameters not required by the PWTA?
Yes! The required parameters are comprehensive and include everything that public water systems are required to test for with the exception of some of the unregulated compounds. However, anyone can test for more contaminants. If you choose to have additional tests, the DEP recommends using a NJDEP certified laboratory. Note: Only the parameters listed above are required by the NJ PWTA.
Where can I find a list of New Jersey certified drinking water laboratories?
A list of NJDEP certified drinking water laboratories that conduct PWTA testing can be found here.
Who must collect the sample?
The sample must be collected by an individual that is certified to collect PWTA samples; or by an authorized representative of a laboratory. If a real estate agent falls into this category, they may collect the samples for all contaminants, except for pH. Samples for pH testing must be collected by an employee of a laboratory that is certified to test for pH. See the PWTA rules at N.J.A.C. 7:9E-1.2 for more details and requirements for pH sample collection.
Who pays for the PWTA sampling and testing?
When there is a sale of a property, the costs are negotiated between the buyer and the seller. When a property is leased, the landlord must obtain and pay for the testing and provide the results to the tenant. Landlords must get a full PWTA test done every five years.
Where in my house should the water sample be collected? What if I have a water treatment system installed?
The water sample must be collected as an untreated water sample. If the plumbing in the building has any kind of water treatment, the sample must be collected before the water goes through the treatment. If there is no water treatment, the water sample may be taken from any cold water, non-aerated tap in the building. The sample must also be flushed for several minutes depending on the size of the pressure tank.
My water was tested for other purposes. May I use those test results to comply with the PWTA requirements?
If the sample was collected and tested in accordance with all the requirements of the PWTA rules at N.J.A.C. 7:9E, the test results may be used to comply with the law for one year after the sample was collected. The Total Coliform results are only valid for six months; therefore, only another Total Coliform sample would need to be collected.
Can more than one laboratory be used for the testing?
Yes, as long as all the laboratories are certified by the NJDEP for the analysis of the particular parameters in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:18. It is important to note that the sample collector must be certified by the NJDEP for the collection for those PWTA parameters or the collector must be an authorized representative of a certified laboratory. The laboratories performing the analysis must be certified by the NJDEP for the analysis of that parameter. However, the PWTA rules at N.J.A.C. 7:9E3.1(b) require that one lab coordinates and submits all the PWTA results to the NJDEP electronically.
NJ PWTA Resources for Certified Laboratories
The NJ DEP Office of Quality Assurance is responsible for the certification of laboratories to conduct testing for the NJ PWTA. For more information regarding the certification process, please visit their Lab Certification Program website. If you have any questions, please email oqa@njdepwptest.net or call the NJDEP Office of Quality Assurance at 609-292-3950.
Below is a listing of helpful resources for NJDEP certified laboratories regarding the NJ Private Well Testing Act. If you have any questions regarding the electronic submittal of the NJ PWTA data, please contact Richard Gunoskey or call the NJDEP Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at 609-292-5550.
PWTA Electronic Submittal Process
The NJDEP’s PWTA Program uses an electronic data delivery and database system, known as E2/Compass. Certified laboratories should have completed the registration process (see below) in order to submit PWTA data. If you have any questions regarding the registration process, or any other questions, please contact the PWTA Program at 609-292-5550 for assistance.
Step-by-step instructions for completing the registration process for a PWTA Laboratory
- The E2 Reporting System Laboratory Participation Package provides instructions for registering a Laboratory in E2, creating a NJDEP Online account and password, and obtaining a Personal Identification Number (PIN) used for certification of electronic submissions of laboratory data. Helpful hint – Once your laboratory has successful created an DEP on-line account, log onto to E-2 and complete your laboratory association and your request role and submit it to the DEP. This will assist with expediting the registration process.
- A Responsible Official at the laboratory must complete, sign, and submit Form E2-LAB-001: E2 Laboratory Registration Form. This form indicates the Laboratory’s intent to participate in the E2 program and identifies the individuals at the Laboratory who will have Administrator access to the E2 Reporting System. It is recommended that a minimum of two Administrators be identified at the level of Lab Manager and / or Quality Assurance Officer. The Responsible Official may also serve as the Administrator.
- The Certifier for the Laboratory results must complete, sign, and submit Form E2-ESA-001: Electronic Signature Agreement. This document serves as a formal agreement between each PIN holder (Certifier) and the NJDEP regarding the responsibilities and use of their PIN. Form E2-ESA-001 must be signed by the Certifier for the Laboratory before a PIN will be issued for the user.
- The Laboratory Participation Package, Laboratory Registration Form, and Electronic Signature Agreement may be downloaded from the System Documentation portion of this web site.
PWTA Electronic Data deliverable (EDD) Manual
To help you get started, the PWTA Electronic Environmental (E2) Reporting Manual provides more detail concerning the creation of user accounts, the creation of user associations with a PWTA laboratory, and an overview of the electronic submission reporting process. The EDD Manual also provides the data Requirements for PWTA Laboratory Reports, including detail of the use of XML schema and files and MS Excel details that a Laboratory may want to share with its information technology professionals in order to prepare for making electronic submissions.
PWTA XML Schema and PWTA Excel Spreadsheet
- PWTA XML Schema (ZIP Format)
- PWTA Excel Spreadsheet (Excel Format-Updated: September 25, 2015)
NJDEP Online Registration for User Profile
Receive your User ID and PIN here.
Electronic Submittal Account Inactivation
If a Laboratory chooses to inactivate its electronic submittal account, it should notify the NJDEP Office of Quality Assurance in writing and agree upon an inactivation date, using the following process:
Submit Form E2-LAB-002: E2 Laboratory Inactivation Request Form to request inactivation of their E2 status.
PWTA Reporting Form
A reporting form used exclusively by laboratories reporting well test results to their clients.
Additional Lab Resources
Regulations Governing the Certification of Laboratories and Environmental Measurements (N.J.A.C. 7:18 -Last amended September 4, 2018)
List of New Jersey Certified Laboratories
NJ PWTA GPS Coordinate FAQs
What are the requirements for the GPS coordinate collection?
Any person may collect GPS coordinates to be used by a laboratory in submitting well test results. Laboratories, realtors, home inspectors, and surveyors are examples of professionals who may choose to offer this service. However, the coordinates must be collected in accordance with the PWTA rules at N.J.A.C. 7:9E-3.1(a)1xi which refers to the DEP’s standard requirements for GPS coordinates, found in the DEP Geographic Information Systems rules at N.J.A.C. 7:1D, Appendix A.
The Department does not endorse nor recommend certain brands or models for the collection of GPS coordinates. However, only GPS equipment that can meet the performance criteria of the Department’s GIS program is acceptable. A description of the GPS receiver requirements can be found here.
Labs must report the coordinates in New Jersey State Plane (survey) feet, referenced to the NAD83 horizontal datum. A coordinate in this system consists of an Easting (x) and a Northing (y). Valid values within the state have Eastings ranging from 192,000 to 660,000 and Northings ranging from 34,000 to 920,000. There is no need for decimals, as these values represent integer feet on the ground. None of the required GPS receivers (GIS types included) can accurately measure to within a tenth of a foot.
Labs who consistently report incorrect coordinates may be subject to enforcement action.
Note: The New Jersey State Plane Coordinate System is not the same as the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system, which also uses the terms Eastings and Northings. Be certain you are using the correct system.
Are latitude and longitude coordinates allowed when reporting GPS coordinates? What if my GPS unit records in latitude and longitude?
Labs cannot report GPS coordinates in latitude and longitude. Coordinates must be reported in the NJ State Plane Coordinate System, in survey feet units, referenced to the NAD83 datum (see above question). However, if latitude & longitude values are read from the GPS receiver’s display a conversion is necessary before reporting. Make sure there are enough decimals when performing the conversion.
Here is what is needed for an accurate conversion: Five (5) decimal places for Decimal Degrees (DD.ddddd) gets a coordinate to within 3 feet; three (3) decimal places for Degrees Decimal Minutes (DD MM.mmm) gets a coordinate to within 5 feet, and one (1)decimal place for Degrees Minutes Decimal Seconds (DD MM SS.s) gets a coordinate to within 9 feet.
Note: If 4 decimal places are used for DD then the coordinate might only be within 30 ft. Similarly, if 2 decimal places are used for DDM then the coordinate might only be within 50 ft, if 0 decimal places are used for DMDS then the coordinate might only be within 90 ft. Coordinates in other coordinate systems must be converted to New Jersey State Plane coordinates. GPS receivers designed for GIS data collection have the conversion utilities available in the processing software that comes with the receiver. There are also conversion utilities (CORPSCON) available online.
If the well water does not meet one or more of the drinking water standards, can the property sale be completed? Does the water have to be treated before the property is sold or rented?
The law does not prohibit the sale of property if the water fails one or more drinking water standards. The law mainly ensures that all parties of the real estate transaction know the facts about the well water, so they can make well-informed decisions. In some cases and locations, mortgage companies or local health departments may require treatment of the water.
If a well fails to meet one or more of the standards, who will pay for water treatment?
The law does not require water treatment be installed for water that fails to meet standards. The installation of water treatment is something to be discussed and negotiated between the buyer and the seller. Please see the New Jersey Private Well Treatment page for further guidance.
However, there are two state programs that may be available to homeowners for financial assistance if specific eligibility requirements are met.
The Spill Compensation Fund administered by Environmental Claims Administration within the Department offers help to innocent parties suffering from direct or indirect damages resulting from the human-caused discharge of a hazardous substance. There are specific eligibility requirements and guidelines for filing claims with the Spill Compensation Fund. For more information, please see the Processing of Damage Claims Pursuant to the Spill Compensation and Control Act rules, N.J.A.C. 7:1J for eligibility requirements or contact the NJDEP-Environmental Claims Administration at 609-984-2076 or visit its Spill Compensation Fund website. You may write to the ECA: NJDEP-ECA/Spill Fund, Mail Code 401-06J, P.O. Box 420, 401 E. State Street, Trenton, N.J. 08625-0420.
The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) has a Potable Water Loan Program that is available to owners of single family residences whose source of potable water exceeds the State of New Jersey’s Primary Drinking Water Standards. In addition, the loan program covers sodium, chloride, iron, and manganese although these contaminants do not have Primary Drinking Water Standards. For further information, please contact the NJHMFA Hotline at 1-800-NJHOUSE (1-800-654-6873) or they may be reached at: P.O. Box 18550, 637 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, N.J. 08650-2085 or through their NJHMFA Potable Water Loan Program website. For more information about this program, please see this Potable Water Loan Program fact sheet.
If a well fails to meet one or more of the standards, will the DEP make that information public?
No. The laboratory reports test results to the person who requested the testing, to the DEP, and to the local health authority. Both the DEP and the local health authority are required to keep the address of tested wells confidential. In some situations, the local health authority may notify the reported elevated presence of a PWTA parameter in a private well to nearby well owners to test for the parameter of concern. Under the law, the local health authority may not reveal the address or location of the impacted residence. Lastly, the DEP creates several online interactive maps to summarize the PWTA data. These maps are intended to provide information to homeowners about potential risks in their area. These maps display summaries of the PWTA data by county, municipality, census block group, and 2×2 mile grid, which ensure the confidentiality of the homeowner is maintained.
