Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Arsenic in Private Wells by County, New Jersey, 2002-2022
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Arsenic in Private Wells by County, New Jersey, 2002-2022
Why Is This Important?
Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element in the earth's crust, and trace amounts can be found in geologic formations and aquifers in parts of New Jersey. Arsenic may also be found in soils as a result of past use of arsenic-containing pesticides and wood preservatives. Arsenic has been classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as a known human carcinogen. Ingestion of large amounts of inorganic arsenic is associated with increased risk of several types of cancer, including skin, lung, liver, kidney and urinary bladder. Other potential effects of ingesting large amounts of arsenic include diarrhea, thickening and/or discoloration of the skin, diabetes, and heart disease.
Definition
Percent of tested private wells with arsenic concentration exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 5 micrograms of arsenic per liter
Data Notes
**Results by county are suppressed when the number of tested wells was less than 10. Testing for arsenic in private wells began in Sussex and Warren counties in March 2008. In January 2006, the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic in New Jersey was reduced from 50 micrograms per liter to 5 micrograms per liter. Data obtained on May 10, 2023.Data Source
Private Well Testing Act Data, Division of Water Supply and Geoscience, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection(https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=826ec9fae77543caa582a787d5f088e7)
How the Measure is Calculated
Numerator:
Number of tested private wells with arsenic concentration exceeding the maximum contaminant level of 5 micrograms of arsenic per liter in a specified period of timeDenominator:
Number of tested private wells in a specified period of time