Well Water in Placer County: What to Test and Why

Placer County groundwater contains radon, manganese, iron, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate at levels high enough to exceed EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants reach concerning levels that warrant attention from well owners.

These contaminants come from a mix of sources. Radon seeps up from rock deep underground. Manganese and iron occur naturally in the basin-fill rocks and sediment that make up the aquifer here. Arsenic and fluoride are also present in the local rock. Nitrate, chloride, PFOA, and PFOS point to human activity--agricultural runoff, septic systems, and industrial use--on the land above.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock. The water also carries moderate amounts of dissolved minerals overall. Moderately hard water with moderate mineral content is common across many wells in the county, though individual wells vary.

Wells in Placer County can have several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards, including arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, radon, and PFOA and PFOS (chemicals used in industrial processes). Arsenic and radon are known to increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Fluoride, PFOA, and PFOS have been linked to various health effects including bone and developmental issues.

County well water tends to be moderately hard, which means you might see white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures or spots on dishes and glassware. Hard water can make soap less effective and may shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time. The mineral content in this area is generally moderate, so most people don't experience strong taste or odor problems, though your individual well could be different.

We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants exceed standards in the county. Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what we see countywide. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and chemicals panel typically costs between $200 and $400 and can identify which contaminants need attention through options like carbon filters, ion exchange, or aeration systems.