By Scott Gaskill on Friday, March 25, 2022
Category: Township News

Well Water Testing Kit Pickup April 23

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