Evesham MUA

Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority (EMUA) delivers water from a combination of groundwater and treated surface water sources. The primary groundwater supply comes from ten wells that draw from the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy (PRM) and Wenonah Mt. Laurel aquifers, ranging in depth from 300 to 623 feet.

Despite strict state management, the PRM aquifer is depleting faster than natural recharge rates. In 1996, EMUA's water allocation was reduced by 22%. To compensate, EMUA purchases supplemental water from Mt. Laurel Township Municipal Utilities Authority (MLTMUA) and New Jersey American Water Company (NJAWC).

MLTMUA operates three wells in the PRM that feed their dual treatment facilities, while NJAWC sources water from the Delaware River and additional groundwater wells. This complex supply system is why community conservation efforts remain crucial year-round.

1. Where can I obtain a private water testing kit, and what is the cost?

   Testing kits for private water supplies are available at our office during regular business hours. The kit itself is free, but the state laboratory charges a $10 fee for analysis.

2. What will the laboratory test for in my water sample?

   The standard coliform test evaluates the bacteriological quality of your water. Coliform bacteria inhabit intestinal tracts of humans and warm-blooded animals, making them useful indicators of potential water system contamination from sewage or surface drainage.

3. How do I properly collect a water sample?

   Instructions will be included with your kit. You'll need to select a single, cold-water, indoor faucet—ideally the sample tap from your pressure tank. Avoid water softeners by using a pre-softener tap or bypassing the unit during sampling. Don't use exterior frost-proof taps or mixer-type faucets (kitchen/bath) as they cannot be properly disinfected. Laundry connections with brass fittings often work best, even in homes with PVC plumbing.

   Follow these steps: Remove attachments from the tap, place a bucket underneath, briefly run water to flush debris, flame the tap opening for 10-15 seconds (not for plastic fixtures), let water cool the spout, then fill the sample bottle to the indicated line without touching interior surfaces. The small liquid droplets inside the bottle are necessary testing chemicals.

   Complete the paperwork with your details and the sample number. Either mail via USPS Priority Mail or return to our office for courier pickup. Samples must reach the lab within 48 hours, so collect samples early in the week. Results typically arrive within 10 days.

4. What does an "Unsatisfactory" test result mean?

   An "unsatisfactory" result indicates coliform bacteria presence in your sample. You should not consume water with this designation.

5. Is this a serious health concern?

   Before becoming alarmed, consider that coliform bacteria are generally harmless environmental organisms found in soil, carried by insects, and often introduced during routine well maintenance. Most contamination incidents are isolated and easily remedied.