New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (PWTA): what's required at sale or lease
The PWTA (N.J.S.A. 58:12A-26 et seq.) took effect September 14, 2002. It requires well water testing for specific contaminants when properties with certain drinking water wells are sold or leased. Wells used only for non-drinking purposes, such as lawn watering, don't have to be tested under the Act. [source]
When testing is required
- Sale of any property that gets its drinking water from a private well on the property, including new construction.
- Sale of a property served by a well with fewer than 15 service connections, or one that doesn't regularly serve an average of at least 25 people daily at least 60 days a year.
- Leasing a property whose drinking water comes from a private well not covered by another State testing law, with testing every five years. [source]
Timing in a sale
Every contract of sale must make testing a condition of the sale. Title can't close until both buyer and seller have received and reviewed the results and signed a certification saying so. [source]
Landlords
The lessor must test at least once every five years and, within 30 days of receiving results, give a written copy to each rental unit and each new lessee. [source]
PFAS testing
Since December 1, 2021, wells sampled for a PWTA sale or lease must also be analyzed for PFOA, PFOS and PFNA. NJDEP estimated the analysis at about $300 per sample. The rules require testing untreated water, even if treatment is installed. [source]
What if the water fails?
NJDEP says the PWTA doesn't prohibit a sale if the water fails one or more standards. Its main purpose is that all parties know the facts. Lenders, local health departments or buyers may still require treatment. [source]
FAQ
Is well testing required to sell a house in New Jersey?
Yes. Under the PWTA, contracts of sale for properties with private drinking water wells must require testing, and title cannot close until buyer and seller have reviewed the results.
How often must NJ landlords test a private well?
At least once every five years, with written results given to each rental unit within 30 days.
Can a NJ house sell if the well fails?
NJDEP says the PWTA does not prohibit the sale, though lenders, health departments or buyers may require treatment.
Sources
- NJDEP – Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NJDEP – N.J.A.C. 7:9E PWTA rule (courtesy copy) (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NJDEP – Q&A on PFOA, PFOS and PFNA for private well owners (accessed 2026-10-21)
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