Somerset County: EPA Recommends Homeowners Test Well Water Annually

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

Post Date:03/11/2021 5:02 PM

SOMERVILLE, NJ – It is Groundwater Awareness Week when homeowners should remember to test their well water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners should test their wells for harmful substances annually, or more frequently if a household member is pregnant, there are infants, or there has been a significant change in the odor, color, or taste of the water.

Even if there are no environmental concerns, testing well water is necessary because it will establish a record for future problems relating to well system treatment, repairs, or other environmental issues.

Maintenance
Homeowners can avoid contaminated well water by checking for cracks and leaks and not using pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals near the wellhead. Keeping the septic system in good working condition and avoid flushing chemicals down any drains is also important.

For information about safely maintaining a private well and to view inspection checklists, visit www.wellowner.org

Testing Kits and Resources
Residents can purchase discounted test kits through the Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) to assess contaminants or hire a private lab.

To find out about testing kits and for a list of RHA events, visit www.testmywell.org or call the Well Testing Office at 908-234-1852, ext. 401.

For a list of certified water-testing laboratories, go to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s website at http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/oqa/certlabs.htm.

General Information About Well Testing
The Somerset County Department of Health urges homeowners to contact their local health department for information about water testing, which will be specific to local water quality trends.

For more information and a directory of local health departments, visit the Somerset County Department of Health website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health. Residents can also contact Somerset County Environmental Health Coordinator Lynette Dooley at 908-231-7155 or dooley@co.somerset.nj.us.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.