Health
Department
43 Schooley's Mountain Road
Long Valley, NJ 07853
908-876-3650
Cristianna Cooke-Gibbs,
Public Health Officer
Health Department e-mail: health@wtmorris.net
Water
WATER
TESTING
Residents
using water from private wells are strongly urged to have their
water supply tested annually to ensure safe drinking water.
Sample
bottles for water testing can be obtained at the Health Department.
The cost of analysis varies and is dependant upon the chemical
tests performed. These results cannot
be used for official purposes such as Certificate of Potability.
CORROSIVE
WATER
Residents
should be aware that wells in this area typically yield water
that is corrosive.
Indications
of corrosive water may be the presence of blue-green stains on
porcelain fixtures or a bitter metallic taste in the water. Residents
are encouraged to have their water supply tested for its corrosiveness
()
if these signs are present.
Corrosive
water can be corrected.
CERTIFICATE
OF POTABILITY
A
must be obtained from the Health
Department prior to the transfer of title of all residences
serviced by an individual water supply. This is a requirement
of the NJ State and Washington Township Ordinance.
A
report from a certified laboratory indicating that the water
has been tested for total coliform bacteria, iron, manganese,
pH, all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with established
Maximum Contaminant Levels, nitrate, and lead. and arsenic.
If total coliform bacteria are detected, a test must also be
conducted for fecal coliform or E. coli. All test results must
be submitted prior to certificate issuance.
SEPTIC
SYSTEMS
For
homes serviced by on site disposal systems, we recommend the following
guidelines to help protect premature system failure:
- Have
the septic tank pumped at least once every 2-3 years
- Repair
all leaky faucets immediately
- Do
not use garbage disposal units
- Do
not overload the system with more water than the system can
handle
-
Consider installing low flow shower heads
- Check
water usage information on appliances such as dishwashers and
washing machines to reduce well water draw down and septic system
loading.
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