Union County is known for its vibrant suburban communities and its proximity to major industrial hubs. While most residents rely on municipal water systems, several properties—particularly in more rural or long-established pockets—still utilize private wells. For one local family, a routine water test as part of a real estate transaction revealed a startling result: their well contained arsenic levels well above the New Jersey state limit.
Arsenic is often called the “King of Poisons,” a reputation earned from its history in literature and crime. However, in the context of Union County groundwater, it is a much more subtle and silent threat. It has no taste, no smell, and no color. Its discovery in a local well serves as a critical wake-up call for all private well owners in the region to understand the unique chemical landscape beneath their feet.
Understanding the Limit: New Jersey’s Strict Standard
When the test results for the Union County well came back, the concentration was recorded at 12 micrograms per liter ($\mu g/L$), also known as parts per billion (ppb). While this would be only slightly above the federal EPA limit of 10 $\mu g/L$, it is more than double the New Jersey state limit.
In 2006, New Jersey established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for arsenic at 5 $\mu g/L$, making it the most protective standard in the nation. This decision was based on extensive research showing that long-term exposure to even low levels of arsenic significantly increases the risk of several health issues. For a homeowner in this location, a “pass” on a federal level is still a “fail” in the eyes of the state and most local lenders.
The Source: Geology vs. History
The discovery of arsenic in Union County often leads to the question: How did it get there? In this part of New Jersey, the answer is usually a combination of natural geology and human history.
- Natural Bedrock: Union County sits partly within the Piedmont Physiographic Province. The bedrock here—specifically the Passaic Formation—contains red and black shales that naturally house arsenic-bearing minerals like pyrite. Over thousands of years, as groundwater flows through these rock layers, it slowly dissolves the arsenic, carrying it into the well.
- Agricultural Legacy: Before the suburban sprawl of the mid-20th century, parts of Union County were farmland. Between 1900 and 1980, millions of pounds of lead-arsenate pesticides were applied to orchards and crops across the state. In some cases, these legacy chemicals have leached through the soil and into the shallow aquifers.
Whether the source is 200 million years old or 100 years old, the result is the same: a hazardous contaminant in the kitchen tap that requires specialized services to remove.
The Health Risks: Why One Test Isn’t Enough
Arsenic is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a known human carcinogen. Unlike bacteria, which cause immediate illness, arsenic is a “chronic” toxin. Ingesting it over many years is linked to:
- Cancers: Specifically of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, and liver.
- Circulatory Issues: Thickening of the skin and discoloration, as well as problems with blood vessels in the hands and feet.
- Developmental Effects: Lower IQ and respiratory issues in children exposed during early development.
Because arsenic levels in a well can fluctuate with the changing water table, a single “passing” test years ago does not guarantee safety today. We recommend regular maintenance and testing every five years, even if you aren’t planning to sell your home.
Remediation: Turning a Failure into a Pass
The Union County family was understandably concerned, but an arsenic failure is not a reason to abandon a well. Modern filtration technology is highly effective at removing arsenic to near-zero levels.
There are two primary ways to treat arsenic in a residential setting:
1. Point-of-Entry (POE) Adsorption
This is a whole-house system that treats every drop of water entering the home. It typically uses two tanks filled with an iron- or titanium-based “adsorption media.” As water passes through, the arsenic molecules stick to the media. This is the gold standard for protection because it ensures that even water used for showering or brushing teeth is arsenic-free.
2. Point-of-Use (POU) Reverse Osmosis
This is a smaller system installed under the kitchen sink. It uses a semi-permeable membrane to strip away dissolved minerals, including arsenic. While more affordable, it only treats the water at that specific tap, leaving other faucets in the house unprotected.
For the Union County well in question, a POE system was installed. After a professional re-test, the arsenic levels dropped from 12 $\mu g/L$ to less than 1 $\mu g/L$, allowing the real estate transaction to proceed with full transparency.
The Real Estate Hurdle: The NJ PWTA
In New Jersey, the Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) mandates that arsenic be tested in 12 northern counties, including Union. This law is designed to protect buyers from unknowingly moving into a home with contaminated water.
If you are a seller, discovering arsenic late in the closing process can be a “deal-killer.” However, by staying informed through our blog, many sellers are learning to test early. Identifying an arsenic problem three months before listing gives you the time to install a treatment system and provide “passing” results to potential buyers up front, maintaining your negotiating power.
Next Steps for Union County Residents
If you own a private well in Union County, you shouldn’t wait for a “For Sale” sign to check your water. Here is how to stay safe:
- Review Your Records: Look for the “As” (Arsenic) result on your last well test. If it was above 5 $\mu g/L$, you need to take action.
- Don’t Boil Your Water: This is a common mistake. Boiling water removes the liquid but leaves the arsenic behind, actually increasing the concentration of the toxin.
- Consult the Experts: If you suspect your well might be at risk due to your local geology, reach out via a contact form to schedule a certified lab analysis.
Conclusion: Data is the Best Defense
The discovery of arsenic in a Union County well is a reminder that our environment is complex. While we cannot control the minerals in the bedrock or the pesticides used a century ago, we have total control over the technology we use to protect our families.
At Olympian Well Water Testing, we believe that every well owner deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what is in their glass. Arsenic may be a “King of Poisons,” but with the right testing and treatment, it is a problem that is easily solved.
