This update (2007) includes the data from the remaining 57 wells (sampled in 2003 and 2004) out of the 150 wells which comprise the redesigned NJAGWQMN. This data completes one full sampling cycle of the network.
From 1986 to 1995, 211 wells were sampled. Of those, 165 were in fractured bedrock and 46 were in glacial and other unconsolidated surficial materials in northern New Jersey. Data from the bedrock portion of the Newark Basin is illustrated on the New Jersey Geological Survey homepage at <http://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs>. The first two goals above were met by sampling sites that are not influenced by known point sources (biased). Therefore samples represented as close to natural ground-water quality as possible. Land use was not considered in the selection process.
In 1996 a network design was devised to complement the NJDEP watershed process and address the last goal above. The main objective was to determine how up-gradient land use affects the quality of ground water discharging to streams throughout the state. Wells were to be sampled on some periodic basis to determine trends. During 1996 and 1997, 44 shallow wells near streams were sampled in the Barnegat Bay and Rancocas Creek watersheds.
In 1997 and 1998, the NJDEP and USGS reviewed and redesigned New Jersey's surface and ground-water quality networks to meet the current and future information needs of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The new goals for the ground water network are to:
1. Assess ground-water quality. 2. Assess the ground-water quality trends. 3. Evaluate transfer relations (e.g., correlate water quality to land use). 4. Identify emerging issues (e.g., MTBE in ground water).
The network consists of 150 water-table wells located throughout the state using a stratified-random site selection approach. Well sites are stratified as a function of land use. Of the 150, 60 are in agricultural lands, 60 are in urban/suburban lands and 30 are in undeveloped lands. Ground-water at the water table is generally the first and most significantly impacted portion of the ground-water system. Land use can generally be directly correlated to ground-water quality at the wells sampled because the hydraulic connection with the land surface is usually vertical. Determining the exact recharge areas and time of travel for deeper wells is generally much more difficult and resource intensive. This network serves as an early warning system for identifying emerging threats to ground water quality. In 1998 the NJGS and USGS agreed to sample domestic wells in the western portion of the Piedmont physiographic province to assist the USGS NAWQA project while waiting to finalize the new network design.
The network was set up over a 5-year period which, started in fiscal year 1999. Each year, network wells were installed sampled. Well water samples are analyzed for 1.) Field parameters, 2) Major ions, 3) Nutrients, 4) Trace elements, 5) Radioactivity, 6) Volatile organic compounds, and 7) Pesticides. The network was completed in NJDEP fiscal year 2005.
SUBJECT DATA LAYERS
For all data contained herein, NJDEP makes no representations of any kind, including, but not limited to, the warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use, nor are any such warranties to be implied with respect to the digital data layers furnished hereunder. NJDEP assumes no responsibility to maintain them in any manner or form.
II. Terms of Agreement 1. Digital data received from the NJDEP are to be used solely for internal purposes in the conduct of daily affairs.
2. The data are provided, as is, without warranty of any kind and the user is responsible for understanding the accuracy limitations of all digital data layers provided herein, as documented in the accompanying cross-reference files (see Section 1.14 CROSS_REFERENCE). Any reproduction or manipulation of the above data must ensure that the coordinate reference system remains intact.
3. Digital data received from the NJDEP may not be reproduced or redistributed for use by anyone without first obtaining written permission from the NJDEP. This clause is not intended to restrict distribution of printed mapped information produced from the digital data.
4. Any maps, publications, reports, or other documents produced as a result of this project that utilize NJDEP digital data will credit the NJDEP's Geographic Information System (GIS) as the source of the data with the following credit/disclaimer:
"This (map/publication/report) was developed using New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Geographic Information System digital data, but this secondary product has not been verified by NJDEP and is not state-authorized."
5. Users shall require any independent contractor, hired to undertake work that will utilize digital data obtained from the NJDEP, to agree not to use, reproduce, or redistribute NJDEP GIS data. Data utilized by an independent contractor will be required to be returned to the original user at the close of such contractual work. Users hereby agree to abide by the use and reproduction conditions specified above and agree to hold any independent contractor to the same terms. By using data provided herein, the user acknowledges that terms and conditions have been read and that the user is bound by these criteria.
-99999 implies an estimated value; usually means the constituent was detected below the reporting limit and the confidence in the concentration determination is not acceptable for standard reporting. A zero (0) implies no sampling performed for that parameter. Note: an estimated value can also be designated for other reasons. See the annual USGS Water-Data Reports NJ-(year of interest) for the estimated values and an explanation. The actual estimated value is not shown in this database.