New Jersey Septic & Well Water Rules

New Jersey's Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) requires well water testing when certain homes with private wells are sold.

This is a short state page. It covers only the facts we've verified from official sources so far.

Well testing when you sell

Under the Private Well Testing Act (N.J.S.A. 58:12A-26 et seq.), a contract to sell a property whose drinking water comes from a private well must require the water to be tested.
Testing must be done by a NJDEP-certified laboratory and covers required parameters such as coliform bacteria, nitrate, iron, manganese, pH, VOCs and lead, plus county-specific parameters.
Title cannot close until both buyer and seller have received and reviewed the results and certified that in writing.

Do I have to test my well to sell a house in New Jersey?

Yes, in most cases. The Private Well Testing Act requires testing by a NJDEP-certified lab before closing.

Last checked: October 21, 2026