Well Water in Sacramento County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Sacramento County contains manganese, arsenic, iron, and other contaminants including boron, chloride, fluoride, uranium, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Several of these contaminants exceed federal health standards at levels that well owners should monitor.

These contaminants come from multiple sources in the county's geology and land use. Arsenic, uranium, and manganese occur naturally in the rocks and soil layers that hold the groundwater. Iron also comes from the minerals in these rock layers. Industrial and agricultural activity adds boron, chloride, fluoride, and PFAS to some areas of the county. The mixture of sources means contamination varies from place to place.

Groundwater in Sacramento County is moderately hard, with moderate sodium levels driving much of the water's mineral character. The rock layers beneath the county contain minerals that dissolve slowly into the water as it moves underground. These characteristics show up in wells across the county, though the exact mineral content differs from well to well.

Wells in Sacramento County have been found to contain arsenic, uranium, boron, fluoride, and certain forever chemicals called PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk over many years of drinking. The forever chemicals can affect liver function and the immune system. Boron and fluoride at elevated levels can harm bone and tooth development, especially in children.

The county's moderately hard water can leave spots on dishes and glassware, create scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters, and shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. You might notice a slight mineral taste or white crusty deposits around faucets. Iron in some wells can cause reddish or brownish staining on sinks and laundry.

We recommend getting your well tested with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well in Sacramento County is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, or ion exchange can address different contaminants depending on your results.