New Jersey Ambient Groundwater-Quality Monitoring Network
The USGS, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Geological and Water Survey, operates the Ambient Groundwater-Quality Monitoring Network (AGWQMN), which is designed to characterize the status of unconfined groundwater quality as a function of land use. Shallow groundwater is typically the first part of the groundwater system to be affected by human activities at the land surface, making its quality an important indicator of environmental impact. Additionally, this shallow groundwater plays a critical role in recharging deeper aquifers used for potable supply and sustaining base flow to streams and wetlands, therefore understanding water-quality conditions is essential for safeguarding both drinking-water resources and local ecosystems.
Water Data for the Nation
All data are publicly available at the USGS Water Data for the Nation
New Jersey Long-Term Networks
The accurate, long-term monitoring networks of New Jersey Water Science Center provide valuable data in real-time and historical perspective.
The AGWQMN is a long-term monitoring network with goals to assess the status of groundwater quality by examining the concentrations of various constituents that can be used as environmental indicators, assess water-quality trends by examining data collected on a 3-year cycle, determine the effects of land use on shallow groundwater quality, identify threats from nonpoint sources of contamination, and identify emerging or new environmental issues of concern to the public.
The network consists of 150 shallow wells distributed among 3 land-use types throughout the State of New Jersey. Sixty wells are in agricultural areas, 60 are in urban/suburban areas, and 30 are in undeveloped areas. Beginning in Water Year 1999 wells across the state were sampled on a rotating cycle to represent different geographic and land-use areas. Over time the network has evolved and changed to its current structure. Each year 50 wells are sampled from across the State. Sites rotate on a 3-year cycle ensuring that all 150 wells are sampled every 3 years. The sites are geographically dispersed so emerging trends can be identified quickly.
CONSTITUENTS MEASURED
Water- quality samples from the wells are analyzed for field parameters, major ions, nutrients, organic carbon, trace elements, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity, pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perchlorate, hexavalent chromium, and pharmaceuticals.
TECHNIQUES AND METHODS
All samples are collected using standard, documented USGS sampling techniques to ensure that USGS quality-assurance guidelines are met. All data are analyzed, reviewed, and verified, before publication.
The USGS, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Geological and Water Survey, operates the Ambient Groundwater-Quality Monitoring Network (AGWQMN), which is designed to characterize the status of unconfined groundwater quality as a function of land use. Shallow groundwater is typically the first part of the groundwater system to be affected by human activities at the land surface, making its quality an important indicator of environmental impact. Additionally, this shallow groundwater plays a critical role in recharging deeper aquifers used for potable supply and sustaining base flow to streams and wetlands, therefore understanding water-quality conditions is essential for safeguarding both drinking-water resources and local ecosystems.
Water Data for the Nation
All data are publicly available at the USGS Water Data for the Nation
New Jersey Long-Term Networks
The accurate, long-term monitoring networks of New Jersey Water Science Center provide valuable data in real-time and historical perspective.
The AGWQMN is a long-term monitoring network with goals to assess the status of groundwater quality by examining the concentrations of various constituents that can be used as environmental indicators, assess water-quality trends by examining data collected on a 3-year cycle, determine the effects of land use on shallow groundwater quality, identify threats from nonpoint sources of contamination, and identify emerging or new environmental issues of concern to the public.
The network consists of 150 shallow wells distributed among 3 land-use types throughout the State of New Jersey. Sixty wells are in agricultural areas, 60 are in urban/suburban areas, and 30 are in undeveloped areas. Beginning in Water Year 1999 wells across the state were sampled on a rotating cycle to represent different geographic and land-use areas. Over time the network has evolved and changed to its current structure. Each year 50 wells are sampled from across the State. Sites rotate on a 3-year cycle ensuring that all 150 wells are sampled every 3 years. The sites are geographically dispersed so emerging trends can be identified quickly.
CONSTITUENTS MEASURED
Water- quality samples from the wells are analyzed for field parameters, major ions, nutrients, organic carbon, trace elements, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity, pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perchlorate, hexavalent chromium, and pharmaceuticals.
TECHNIQUES AND METHODS
All samples are collected using standard, documented USGS sampling techniques to ensure that USGS quality-assurance guidelines are met. All data are analyzed, reviewed, and verified, before publication.