Ted Pallis

Map Information:

Map Title:
Arsenic Concentration Values in Groundwater in Relation to Bedrock Aquifers in Parts of Mercer, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties

Name(s) of Author(s):
Ted Pallis, Greg Herman, Steve Spayd, Judy Louis

Organization:
NJDEP

Email Address:
ted.pallis@dep.state.nj.us

Software Used to Make Map:
ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator

Data Sources:

NJDEP Private Well Testing Act Data and NJGWS Geologic Data

Map Description:

Arsenic is a major problem in drinking water in certain areas of New Jersey and can cause bladder, lung and skin cancer, and may cause kidney and liver cancer. Arsenic harms the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as heart and blood vessels, and causes serious skin problems. It also may cause birth defects and reproductive problems.

Samples for the study came from the NJ Private Well Testing Act database and voluntary sampling coordinated by the NJGWS from 1999-2012. Arsenic concentration values in 3105 domestic water wells were sampled and mapped. The study focused on a 5-town pilot study area in the Newark basin part of the Piedmont province.

The mapped results of these samples in relation to bedrock aquifers show patterns according to their relation to bedrock where arsenic is more prevalent. The Stockton formation in these towns is low risk for arsenic contamination but the Brunswick and Lockatong formations are higher in arsenic.

Further analysis is being conducted relating arsenic well contamination risk not only to the geologic member but also to well depth and well location in aquifer recharge or discharge areas.

Conclusion: High risk areas can be identified and targeted for well sampling promotion programs.

Map Title:	Arsenic Concentration Values in Groundwater in Relation to Bedrock Aquifers in Parts of Mercer, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties
Name(s) of Author(s):	Ted Pallis, Greg Herman, Steve Spayd, Judy Louis
Organization:	NJDEP
Email Address:	ted.pallis@dep.state.nj.us
Software Used to Make Map:	ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator
Data Sources:	NJDEP Private Well Testing Act Data and NJGWS Geologic Data
Map Description:	Arsenic is a major problem in drinking water in certain areas of New Jersey and can cause bladder, lung and skin cancer, and may cause kidney and liver cancer. Arsenic harms the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as heart and blood vessels, and causes serious skin problems. It also may cause birth defects and reproductive problems. Samples for the study came from the NJ Private Well Testing Act database and voluntary sampling coordinated by the NJGWS from 1999-2012. Arsenic concentration values in 3105 domestic water wells were sampled and mapped. The study focused on a 5-town pilot study area in the Newark basin part of the Piedmont province. The mapped results of these samples in relation to bedrock aquifers show patterns according to their relation to bedrock where arsenic is more prevalent. The Stockton formation in these towns is low risk for arsenic contamination but the Brunswick and Lockatong formations are higher in arsenic. Further analysis is being conducted relating arsenic well contamination risk not only to the geologic member but also to well depth and well location in aquifer recharge or discharge areas. Conclusion: High risk areas can be identified and targeted for well sampling promotion programs.