Well Water in Siskiyou County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Siskiyou County contains radon, manganese, iron, arsenic, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards in some wells. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers high enough to warrant attention and testing.

The basaltic rock that makes up this county's aquifer naturally contains these metals and radioactive elements. As water flows through cracks and spaces in the rock over time, it dissolves manganese, iron, and arsenic from the stone itself. Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium present in the basalt. This is not a sign of pollution but rather the result of groundwater moving through volcanic rock.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the basaltic rock below. The basalt weathers slowly, releasing these minerals into the water as it percolates underground. Hardness is a common trait across wells throughout Siskiyou County because of the volcanic bedrock that feeds them.

Wells in Siskiyou County can contain arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer and damage to your kidneys and nervous system. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over many years. Manganese at high levels can harm your brain and nervous system, especially in children.

Hard water is common in county wells and can leave white, chalky deposits on faucets and in pipes. You might notice spots on dishes after washing or feel a sticky film on your skin after showering. Hard water also makes it harder for soap to work well. Over time, very hard water can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers by building up scale inside them.

We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel usually costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will tell you what you are actually dealing with. Depending on results, your water might benefit from a water softener for hardness or a treatment system designed to remove specific contaminants.