The Environmental Commission, with the Raritan Headwaters Association, would like to once again provide TWP residents with another opportunity to have their private well water tested for contaminants.
Event: Private Well Water Testing
Location: Pavilion at Rock Spring Park near the Senior Center.
Dates/Time: Test Kit Pick-up; April 23, 9:00AM -12:00PM. Test Kit Return; April 27, 7:00AM – 9:30 AM
What Should I Test My Well Water For
April 23 2022 Well Water Testing Flyer
| Test | Reasons to Test | Possible Sources |
| Basic Kit - $60.00 Coliform bacteria and Fecal (E. coli) Confirmation + Nitrates Testing recommended annually |
Testing for coliform bacteria and nitrates every year provides a general indication of the sanitary quality of your drinking water. Presence of coliform bacteria indicates water contamination and the presence of intestinal parasites and pathogens. High levels of nitrates are harmful to infants and pregnant women. |
· Structural issues (cracks in well casing, damaged or non-watertight well cap) · Septic system problems or seepage near well · Stormwater runoff · Seepage from fertilized land |
| Arsenic - $35.00 Testing recommended every 5 years or more frequently if monitoring an installed arsenic treatment system |
Can cause increased risk of cancers, gastrointestinal ailments, diabetes, and cardiovascular impacts. | · Naturally occurring deposits in bedrock and soil · Wood preservative |
| Lead - $25.00 Testing recommended every 5 years for homes built before 1987 |
Can cause physical or mental development problems in infants or children. Kidney problems or high blood pressure in adults. Harmful to pregnant women and developing babies. |
· Corrosion of household pipes, fittings, solder · Soft water may be more corrosive |
| Volatile Organics (62 chemicals) - $95.00 Testing recommended at least once, but best to test every 5-7 years |
High levels can cause liver, nervous system disorders, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, anemia and cancer. | · Underground fuel storage tanks, gas stations, · Landfills, hazardous waste sites, dry cleaners, septic systems |
| Radon (in water) - $50.00 Testing recommended at least once |
Exposure to radon in drinking water can lead to lung cancer. Can be ingested or inhaled as gases are released from the water into the air. |
· Naturally occurring, produced by the decay of uranium and radium in soil, rock and water |
| Gross Alpha (uranium and radium) - $80.00 Testing recommended at least once |
Exposure to gross alpha emitters in drinking water can lead to lung cancer. Can be ingested, or inhaled as gases that are released from the water into the air |
· Erosion of natural deposits of minerals that are radioactive, may emit alpha radiation, which can enter the home through well water |
| Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - $295 Includes PFOA, PFNA, PFOS |
Increased risk of some cancers including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers, decreases in fertility or increases in high blood pressure in pregnant women, reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections including reduced vaccine response, child development effects including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes, interference with the body’s natural hormones, increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity |
· PFAS-containing products (certain firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets and furniture, water-resistant clothing, heat-resistant paper/cardboard food packaging, some personal care products), landfills, land applied sludge |
| Hardness (calcium and magnesium) - $15.00 Testing recommended if you are experiencing any signs |
Not considered a health concern. High levels can cause dry, itchy skin, mineral buildup around faucets, scummy residue on tubs/showers, rusty toilet rings, and reduced appliance lifespan. | · Naturally occurring deposits of calcium and magnesium |
| Iron - $15.00 Testing recommended if you are experiencing any signs |
Not typically a health concern. Discoloration of laundry or plumbing fixtures, rust stains. Bitter or metallic taste. | · Naturally occurring deposits · Industrial wastes |
| Manganese - $15.00 Testing recommended if you are experiencing any signs |
Not typically a health concern. High levels may harm brain development in infants and young children. Discoloration of laundry or plumbing fixtures. Bitter or metallic taste. | · Naturally occurring deposits · Manufacturing and agricultural runoff |
| Copper - $25.00 Testing recommended if you are experiencing symptoms |
High levels can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps/nausea. Long term exposure can cause anemia and disrupt liver and kidney function. Discoloration/blue-green stains of plumbing fixtures. | · Corrosion of household pipes and fittings. · Soft water may be more corrosive |
| pH, Conductivity & Total Dissolved Solids - $5.00 Performed by RHA |
Indicator of overall groundwater quality. Helpful in determining if water is corrosive. | · Dissolved mineral, salts, or metals in the water · Urban and agricultural runoff |