Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often will there be residential well sampling?

A: Residential well samples will be collected, with the owner’s permission, from each residence currently participating in the program once a quarter for two years. Therefore, residents with wells that have been sampled to date who desire to continue in the program will have their wells sampled and analyzed quarterly through Fall 2007.

Q: When and how will I get my results?

A: Results will be mailed directly from the laboratory and should be received by individual residents about three weeks after the sample is collected. Results will arrive at the residence address by regular U.S. mail.

Q: How do I know the sampling and analysis for my well is unbiased?

A: PPL has taken steps to ensure that residential well sampling and analyses are unbiased and are as representative as possible. Sampling has been conducted by one or more independent environmental consultants and delivered to the laboratory under strict chain-of-custody procedures. After labeling and preserving, coolers containing samples are sealed and maintained under chain-of-custody until qualified laboratory personnel open it. The use of two laboratories, both certified by the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as accredited by NELAC (National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Council) ensures unbiased and professional testing. These certifications and accreditations require the labs to adhere to strict sample handling and analysis protocols. Each sample is analyzed and reported according to the appropriate U.S. Environmental Protection Agency method to obtain accurate results.

Q: Can I get an independent evaluation of my residential well testing results?

A: Residents may choose to receive independent evaluation of their results. New Jersey residents can grant permission to PPL to forward the results to the Warren County Department of Health. Pennsylvania residents can grant permission for the results to be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. For any questions about the tests, call PPL at 610-498-6038.

Q: How do I know if these results are below the EPA’s Primary Drinking Water Standards (MCLs), Guidelines (MCLGs), or Secondary Drinking Water Standards?

A: Once you receive your lab results, you can compare your results to the MCLs or MCLGs published by the EPA on its Web site at www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.htm and enclosed with your data from the laboratory. It is important that you are not comparing different reporting units. The MCLs are typically reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). If you have questions, you may call PPL at 610-498-6038.

Q: On the laboratory reports, what is the difference between Reporting Detection Limit (RDL) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ)?

A: Reporting Detection Limits (RDLs) and Limits of Quantification (LOQs) are similar terms that reflect the values that can be reliably reproduced by the laboratory to confirm the concentration reported. State certification and NELAC accreditation requires strict reproducibility of results. The RDL or LOQ number is the lowest number than can reliably be attributed to the concentration in the sample based on current laboratory methods and techniques. All of the RDLs/LOQs for the constituents being tested are below the health-based MCL.

Q: Does this mean my water is safe to drink?

A: If the results of your residential well samples are below the MCLs for the metals tested, it indicates that users of this well are not expected to be at significant risk for health impacts from the water because of metal contamination. Regular testing is recommended to help ensure that residential well water remains consistently safe. It is important to know that the testing contracted by PPL does not include all potential well-water contaminants, and specifically excludes those constituents not typically associated with fly ash, for example organic compounds, pesticides, nitrites, coliform bacteria, etc. Lead, one of the more common contaminants in groundwater, is included in the PPL sample analysis. Please refer to the EPA links on the main page to learn more about water quality testing for residential wells.

Q: If I live near PPL’s Martins Creek plant and I haven’t had my well tested yet, can I still get it done?

A: Yes. To arrange for a well test, call 1-866-364-2800.