Private Well Testing

PWTA: Background Information

In March 2001, the New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) was signed into law, and its regulations became effective in September 2002. Through a rule published in the New Jersey Register on September 4, 2018, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) amended the PWTA rules and expanded testing for gross alpha and arsenic, and required new testing for uranium for private wells. On March 3, 2019, the amendment also required 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP), ethylene dibromide (EDB) and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) testing.

The PWTA is specific to New Jersey and it is a consumer information law that requires sellers, buyers and lessors of properties with wells to test the untreated groundwater for a variety of water quality parameters, including over 30 parameters of human health concern. Sellers and buyers are required to review the test results prior to closing of title. Landlords are required to test their well water once every five years and provide a copy of the test results to each tenant. The test data is submitted electronically by EMSL Analytical, Inc. to the NJDEP for statewide analysis of groundwater quality.

PWTA: Testing Services

EMSL Analytical, Inc. (EMSL) provides laboratory testing services in accordance with New Jersey's Private Well Testing Act (PWTA). In addition, EMSL has dedicated NJ State Certified Samplers and Project Coordinators to assist all customers. Our corporate headquarters resides in Cinnaminson, New Jersey and is equipped to handle projects no matter how big or small the request.

What does EMSL offer with its PWTA services?

• NJ State Certified Samplers and laboratory analysis
• Short lead-time on scheduled sampling requests
• Dedicated Project Coordinators to manage your sampling events
• Easy-to-read, color-coded, interpretive reports (click here to view Sample Report)
• State-required notifications and reporting of results
• All analyses performed in-house – no subcontracting required!
  
  

Business Days*	Southern Counties	Northern Counties**
5	CALL	CALL
* Additional charges for faster turnaround times and weekend service will apply. Please call for your specific project pricing.   ** Northern Counties (including Mercer and Middlesex) are highlighted in red.

What should you know before scheduling a NJ PWTA sampling event with EMSL?

• Scheduling in advanced is preferred
  • Can schedule up to a year in advance
  • Can schedule Monday through Saturday collection times
    (we do not sample on Sunday)
  • Payment in full, by credit card, is required to schedule a sampling event
    
    
• Turnaround Time (TAT)
  • Standard turnaround for sample analysis is 5 business days from collection
  • Faster turnaround times may be available with prior coordination and approval by your Project Coordinator and/or the laboratory
    
    

  How do you schedule a sampling event?

• Call 1-888-831-1083 to speak with a Project Coordinator directly
• Email pwta@emsl.com to connect with a Project Coordinator at your convenience
• Please have your credit card and project information handy
  (example: project address, lockbox code, pets on-site, etc.)
  
  

Can EMSL perform additional water tests that are beyond the NJ PWTA requirements?

• Yes! Tests can be added to treated water samples only. EMSL can report these additional test results directly to the buyer in a separate laboratory report. This entire transaction will be handled independently from the NJ PWTA sampling request. Payment in full, by credit card, is required from the buyer to schedule a sampling event.
  
  

Marty Vitanza              Email: pwta@emsl.com               Phone: 1-888-831-1083

 >> Click here to view our Sample Report

Additional Resources:

• New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) Website
  https://www.nj.gov/dep/dsr/pwta/ 
  
  
• List of Required Parameters for Private Well Testing
  https://www.state.nj.us/dep/watersupply/pwta/pwta_list.htm