Washington County groundwater contains pfoa, pfos, iron, chloride, lead, manganese, and radon. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants arrive through two main pathways. Iron, manganese, and radon come from the mixed rock layers beneath the county--as groundwater sits in contact with these minerals over time, they dissolve into the water. Pfoa and pfos are industrial chemicals that have entered groundwater from contamination sources at or near the land surface, likely from industrial sites, airports, or aqueous film-forming foams used in firefighting.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron. Iron dissolves from minerals in the rock as water moves slowly through the ground. This signature shows up across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in Washington County contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Chloride and manganese at elevated levels can harm kidney and nervous system function. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS are industrial chemicals linked to cancer, liver damage, and immune system problems. Iron at high levels does not pose a direct health risk but indicates other contaminants may be present.
Iron in county wells causes rust-colored staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. Your water may have a metallic taste. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets and in pipes and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Soap and shampoo do not work as well in hard water.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals, minerals, and radon panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options include iron removal systems, radon aeration, and activated carbon filters for PFOA and PFOS.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 7098 | 76% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4453 | 67% | High | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2706 | 36% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 843 | 15% | High | High | |
| Iron | 973 | 15% | High | Moderate | |
| Radon | 9 | 11% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 373 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 1101 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 313 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 644 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 749 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 414 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 195 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 144 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 864 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 5* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 95 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2032 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 245 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 869 | — | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 5* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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