If you are building a new home with a private well for your household water you need to have the water tested by a certified laboratory. Private well testing became law in New Jersey on September 14, 2002.

A water treatment dealer may not perform the analysis because it is a conflict of interest to do so. However, many water treatment dealers are knowledgeable about water chemistry and will design a water treatment system to meet a homeowner’s needs, based on the water analysis. The homeowner can have the equipment intalled and then have the water testing company return to re-test for the parameters that failed.

Below are some important tips to remember when buying water treatment equipment.

Don’t buy by ‘price’.

A higher priced unit may cost less in the long run by being more efficient. But make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Avoid paying too much but don’t settle for the least expensive either. Get a second opinion if possible and compare features.

Make sure that the units are sized properly to meet your family’s needs, now and in the future.

Some companies install equip­ment with mixed beds, also known as combo units. The water test may pass but these units are only quick fixes and may not last more than a year or two. Eventually the heavier calcite and the lighter softening resin ‘flip flop’ and the unit stops working properly.

Get a detailed description of what you’re buying.

Have each piece of equipment itemized, for instance; Acid Neutralizer, Softener, Reverse Osmosis, instead of just - Water Treatment System.

Get a specific written warranty.

Find out if the equipment bears a performance valida­tion, such as, the Water Quality Association ‘Gold Seal’.

Use a company that is certi­fied by the WQA and has a Master Plumbers License.
(NJ Statute 45:14C-2).