Groundwater in Mercer County contains radon, lead, pfos, pfoa, uranium, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron is also present at moderate concentration. These contaminants demand your attention and action.
The rock beneath Mercer County is a basin of sedimentary layers formed long ago. Radon seeps from uranium naturally present in these rocks. Lead and uranium dissolve from minerals in the bedrock and can also enter from old pipes and industrial sources. Chloride comes from road salt that soaks down through soil and reaches the water below. Pfos and pfoa are industrial chemicals that have contaminated groundwater in many areas through industrial activity and waste disposal.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by moderate iron concentration. These minerals come from the sedimentary rocks that hold the water and dissolve slowly as groundwater moves through them. These characteristics are widespread across wells in the county, though individual wells vary in their exact composition.
Wells in Mercer County commonly contain multiple contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. Chloride, iron, uranium, and lead pose serious health concerns at elevated levels. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHXS are industrial chemicals linked to hormone disruption, immune system damage, and other health effects. Each of these contaminants demands attention.
The moderately hard water in county wells leaves white crusty scale on fixtures and inside pipes. Iron staining appears on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Over time, mineral buildup can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste or odor in your water.
We recommend testing your well comprehensively because it contains multiple serious contaminants. Every well is different, and your well may have much higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include radon removal systems and activated carbon filters for chemical contaminants.
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 | 40 | 42% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 40 | 35% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 239 | 33% | High | High | |
| Iron | 248 | 19% | High | High | |
| Radon | 91 | 13% | Moderate | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 227 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 151 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 39 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 184 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 252 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 71 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 196 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 186 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 248 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 251 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 456 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 36 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 250 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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