Groundwater in Cattaraugus County contains radon, manganese, and iron, with chloride, iron, manganese, and radon exceeding EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning enough that well owners should take them seriously.
Radon seeps naturally from the bedrock as it decays from uranium trapped in the rock layers. Iron and manganese dissolve into the water as it moves through the mixed rock below the county. Chloride enters from road salt applied during winter months and accumulates in the groundwater over time.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with moderate iron levels being the most noticeable mineral characteristic. The mixed rock composition here naturally releases both iron and the minerals that create hardness. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Chloride, iron, manganese, and radon exceed EPA health standards in wells throughout Cattaraugus County. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure through inhalation. Chloride at elevated levels can affect kidney and heart function, especially for people on sodium-restricted diets. Manganese can harm brain development in children and affect nervous system function in adults.
Wells in this county have moderately hard water with moderate iron levels that create noticeable quality-of-life issues. Iron causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste or odor in the water. Hard water leaves white scale buildup inside pipes and appliances, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different--your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-$400 and can reveal which contaminants need attention; treatment options like radon mitigation systems and whole-house filters can address these concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 33 | 36% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 67 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 98 | 23% | Moderate | High | |
| Chloride | 133 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 66 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 84 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 43 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 116 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 14* | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 97 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 131 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 18 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 117 | — | High | Low | |
| Fecal Coliform | 14* | 0% | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 14* | 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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