Free Well Water Test Kits For Sussex County Residents If Submerged By Ida's Impact

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Sussex County homeowners who may have had their wells submerged by floods during the Henri and Ida storms are eligible to receive a free water test kit.

In limited supply and available on a first-come, first-served basis, the kits are available courtesy of Northwestern University and New Jersey’s Department of Health, to test for coliform bacteria and metals like lead and arsenic, according to a news release from the County of Sussex, with private wells eight more times likely to become contaminated after flood submersion.

Water sample bottles and detailed instructions for collecting samples can be picked up on Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Sussex County Main Library on 125 Morris Turnpike in Frankford (Newton mailing address) or Ringwood Borough Hall at 60 Margaret King Avenue.

Samples should be taken and can be returned between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. the next day, Thursday, Sept. 23, at one of the same two locations.

Residents should expect to receive results of their samples by email and regularly mail.

Contact Kelsey Pieper with questions at k.pieper@northeastern.edu or 518-928-0177.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.