| Requirement Level | Who Pays | Result Validity | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory at sale (PWTA) | Seller | 1 year from test date | NJ DEP Division of Water Supply |
Overview: New Jersey Well Water Rules
New Jersey’s Private Well Testing Act (PWTA), enacted in 2002, is the most comprehensive mandatory well testing law in the United States. Every property sale involving a private well requires a full PWTA panel, paid for by the seller, with results submitted to the buyer at least 30 days before closing.
What Must Be Tested in New Jersey
| Parameter | Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Total coliform bacteria | Absent | Required |
| E. coli | Absent | Required |
| Nitrate | ≤10 mg/L | Required |
| Lead | ≤0.015 mg/L | Required |
| Arsenic | ≤0.010 mg/L | Required |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) | Per EPA MCL | Required |
| Pesticides | Per EPA MCL | Required |
| Iron | ≤0.3 mg/L | Required |
| Manganese | ≤0.05 mg/L (SMCL) | Required |
| pH | 6.5–8.5 | Required |
Finding a State-Certified Lab in New Jersey
New Jersey requires testing through a state-certified laboratory. To find a lab:
- Contact your county health department — many maintain a local lab referral list
- Search the NJ DEP Division of Water Supply website for a list of certified labs
- Use our national certified lab finder guide for resources
Do not use a DIY kit or an uncertified online mail-in service for loan transactions or state-required testing. Results must come from a NJDEP state-certified laboratory.
Federal Loan Requirements in New Jersey
Regardless of New Jersey's state requirements, federal loan programs impose their own standards:
- VA loans: Always require a water quality test, results valid 90 days. VA guide →
- FHA loans: Require testing when proximity triggers are met (well within 100 ft of septic, etc.). FHA guide →
- USDA loans: Always require testing, results valid 180 days. USDA guide →
I’m buying with cash in New Jersey — do I need a well water test?
New Jersey's PWTA requires testing regardless of payment method — the seller must provide results. Other requirements may also apply.
How much does well water testing cost in New Jersey?
A basic certified lab panel in New Jersey (coliform + nitrates + pH) typically costs $75–$150. A comprehensive panel meeting loan requirements runs $150–$350. Some county health departments offer subsidized testing programs — call your county health office to check. See our full cost guide for more detail.
← Back to all state requirements
Disclaimer State requirements change. Always verify current rules with your NJ DEP Division of Water Supply and your transaction’s real estate attorney before relying on this information.