Groundwater in Middlesex County contains iron, PFOA, PFOS, radon, lead, and chloride at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels and require your attention.
The basin rock below this county naturally releases iron into the water. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated some wells through past manufacturing and land disposal. Radon seeps into groundwater from the rock itself. Chloride and lead come from road salt and corroded pipes or plumbing fixtures in homes and buildings.
Groundwater in this county is marked by very high iron, which comes from the minerals in the Early Mesozoic basin rock that fills the ground below. Iron concentration in this area's aquifer is elevated because the rock layers naturally contain iron-bearing minerals that dissolve into flowing water. This characteristic shows up across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in Middlesex County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, PFOS, PFOA, HFPO-DA, lead, radon, and PFHXS. Chloride at high levels can affect kidney function and blood pressure. PFOS and PFOA are "forever chemicals" linked to immune system damage, thyroid disease, and cancer risk. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. HFPO-DA poses similar health concerns to PFOA.
Iron at very high levels in county wells leaves orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. Iron buildup can clog pipes and reduce water pressure over time. These deposits can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to learn what is actually in your well, since every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems, water softeners, or activated carbon filters can address these concerns once you know your results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 463 | 63% | High | High | |
| Iron | 473 | 54% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 102 | 53% | High | High | |
| Radon | 43 | 21% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 99 | 18% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 3351 | 17% | High | High | |
| Lead | 391 | 9% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 435 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 484 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 102 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 101 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 165 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 331 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 389 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 99 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 51 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 523 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 980 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 101 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 476 | — | 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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