Groundwater in Atlantic County contains iron, chloride, PFOA, PFOS, lead, and radon. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require attention from well owners.
Iron comes naturally from the sandy and clay layers underground in this region. Chloride enters the water from road salt, coastal saltwater seepage, and natural mineral deposits in the deeper rock layers. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals from industrial sites and firefighting foam that have contaminated some wells. Lead leaches from pipes and plumbing fixtures in older homes.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron, which comes from the iron-bearing minerals in the sand and clay aquifer layers beneath the surface. This iron concentration occurs because water moving through these rocks naturally picks up iron minerals over time. Iron is very common across wells in Atlantic County.
Wells in Atlantic County have been found to exceed EPA health standards for several contaminants. Chloride and radon are radioactive and mineral concerns that require attention. Lead exposure harms children's brain development and causes learning problems in young people. PFOA and PFOS are toxic chemicals that build up in your body and have been linked to serious health issues including cancer, liver damage, and immune system problems. Iron, while also an aesthetic concern, can contribute to bacterial growth in pipes.
The high iron levels common in county wells cause orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in your water and rust-colored buildup in appliances. Over time, iron deposits can damage water heaters and other household equipment by shortening their working life.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well 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 typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like activated carbon filters, ion exchange systems, or radon aeration can address these specific contaminants based on what testing reveals.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 425 | 32% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 85 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 409 | 17% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 85 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 444 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 278 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 3201 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 493 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 273 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 84 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 85 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 305 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 85 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Fluoride | 363 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 84 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 10* | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 10* | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 440 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 490 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 741 | — | High | 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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