Under the NJ Private Well Testing Act, which indicators are considered primary indicators?

• A. Total coliform and E. coli
• B. pH and iron
• C. Manganese and taste
• D. Color and turbidity

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that some indicators reflect direct health risk from drinking water, while others describe taste, odor, or appearance. Under the NJ Private Well Testing Act, primary indicators are microbiological and signal potential health risk. The two primary indicators are total coliform bacteria and E. coli. Total coliform serves as an initial sign that bacteria may be present in the water, while E. coli specifically indicates fecal contamination, which demands prompt action to protect health. The other indicators listed—pH, iron, manganese, taste, color, and turbidity—are secondary indicators. They tell you about aesthetic qualities or corrosion-related concerns, not direct health risk on their own.