What contaminants must the well water be tested for?

  • That depends on where you live.
  • All wells must be tested for the following contaminants: total coliform bacteria, iron, manganese, pH, all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with established Maximum Contaminat Levels, nitrate and lead. If total coliform bacteria are detected, a test must also be conducted for fecal coliform or E. coli.
  • Private wells in certain counties will also have to test for arsenic, mercury, and 48-hour rapid gross alpha particle activity. 
  • Arsenic tests are required in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties. 
  • Click here for a table showing all the contaminants that must be tested.