New Jersey Septic & Well Water Rules

In New Jersey, local boards of health permit septic systems under N.J.A.C. 7:9A, and the Private Well Testing Act requires well testing at sale.

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

Septic rules & permits

Individual septic systems up to 2,000 gallons per day are governed by N.J.A.C. 7:9A and administered by your local board of health.
You need a local permit before building, installing, repairing or altering a system.

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