MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY (March 7, 2022) — Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) in partnership with the Summit Free Public Library announced today they are offering residential public and well water testing at a discounted rate. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to expose any potential areas of concern with the health of their water. This offer is open to all residents who can adhere to the program timeframes and locations. Registration is required at GreatSwamp.org.
“Everyone should have access to clean, safe drinking water in their own home,” said Sandra LaVigne, GSWA Director of Water Quality Programs. “This is step-one in building our confidence in the water that comes out of our taps so we can reduce our reliance on plastic water bottles. In return, we reduce plastic in our environment while preserving our fresh water supplies.”
The Basic Well Water Package ($125) was constructed specifically for Great Swamp watershed residents based on the geography of the land and past data. Testing includes Total Coliform + E. coli, Nitrate, Iron, Manganese, Lead, and Arsenic.
The Basic Public Water Package ($65) is for residents who get their water from a municipal source (you pay for your water). Testing includes pH, Lead, and Total Coliform + E. coli.
Add-on testing is available at an additional cost for the following parameters: Copper, Herbicides, Volatile Organics, Hardness, Fluoride, Sodium, Mercury, Pesticides.
“It’s time to take back the tap!” stated Ms. LaVigne. “New Jersey’s single-use plastic bag ban takes effect May 4. Let’s build off that momentum by removing other single-use plastic from our daily lives.”
Those interested in participating must register and pay a $10 deposit. Test kit pickup runs March 14-28. Pickup locations are Summit Free Public Library: 75 Maple St., Summit and GSWA’s headquarters: 568 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown. Participants must have the ability to collect and return their water sample(s) between 8:00-11:00 AM on March 30.
GSWA is hosting a free Zoom webinar, The Importance of Tap Water, on March 9, 7-8 PM to kick off the residential water testing program. Sandra LaVigne will review the different factors that affect our drinking water, whether from a well or a public supply, its connection to the health of all living things and the environment. Register at GreatSwamp.org.
In exchange for discounted rates, homeowners agree to let GSWA analyze the outcomes of their tests and create a database of results, increasing the organization’s understanding of groundwater quality in our region. This program is made possible with grant funding from The Summit Foundation. These tests cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of a real estate transaction.
