Water quality contaminants of concern in New Jersey include natural radiological elements, volatile organic compounds (VOC), DBP, microbes, pesticides, and metals. These are of concern because of their potential carcinogenic health effects, the costs of monitoring and treatment, and a lack of understanding of their origins and transport. The radioactive elements (radium and uranium) are derived from natural materials in the soil. They are present in elevated concentrations in ground water because lime and fertilizer applied to agricultural fields create chemical conditions in the soil and aquifer that tend to make these elements dissolve and move with the water.
This study will determine the vulnerability of public water supply wells in the major aquifers of New Jersey to radiological activity and to contamination by VOC; evaluate the spatial variabilities in conditions that lead to the formation of DBP in public supply wells; and help State agencies designate wellhead protection areas by improving the methods for determining which areas contribute to wells. Results will allow water-supply agencies to tailor monitoring to the places and contaminants of most concern, determine the likelihood that standards will be exceeded, and point out locations for new wells with the lowest chance of contamination.
For information regarding New Jersey's Safe Drinking Water Programs, contact:
NJDEP
Water Supply Element
Bureau of Safe Drinking Water
P.O. Box 426
401 East State Street, Floor 3
Trenton, NJ 08625-0426
(609)292-5550
Chief: Barker Hamill
Click for The Winslow Twp Drinking Water Report 10/99