Department of Health:
Water Testing for Homeowners |
|
Recommended Water Tests for Existing Home Wells (Non-Public Water Systems)
| TEST NAME |
MCL or SMCL |
RECOMMENDED |
|
| Bacteria (Total Coliform)1 |
None detected |
| Nitrate1 |
10 mb/l |
| Lead1 |
0.05 mg/l |
RECOMMENDED |
|
| Volatile Organic1 |
If positive, retest |
| Chemical Scan |
For specific chemicals |
| Hardness (Total) |
150 mg/l |
| Iron |
0.3 mg/l |
| Manganese |
0.05 mg/l |
| Sodium1 |
50 mg/l |
| pH1 |
6.5 - 8.5 |
| Corrosivity1 |
Langelier Index +-1.0 |
| Radioactivity |
|
| (Gross Alpha)2 |
5 Pico curies/l |
| Mercury2 |
.002 mg/l |
1 Denotes an MCL based on health standards. If theses levels are exceeded consult with the local health department for interpretation and guidance. |
2 In wells between 50 - 150 feet deep in South Jersey, the DEP also recommends that the homeowner consider these tests. Consult with your local health officer for the applicability of these tests to your municipality.
The absolute minimum testing should include the coliform test for bacteriological safety. This test should be done at least annually during different seasons each year. If there is a history of previous positive samples, more frequent testing is recommended. Other reasons for testing more frequently include an open or dug well (not permitted by current New Jersey regulations) and unusual episodes of diarrhea, especially among visitors to the home. |
|
|