Cortland County groundwater contains radon, manganese, iron, nitrate, chloride, and lead at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations and deserve attention from well owners.
Nitrate comes from fertilizers and septic systems in surrounding agricultural and residential areas. Manganese, iron, and radon occur naturally as water passes through the carbonate rock beneath the county. Lead and chloride typically enter from older pipes and road salt applied during winter months.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium released from the limestone bedrock. As acidic rainwater filters through carbonate rock over time, it dissolves these minerals in large amounts. Most wells in Cortland County show elevated hardness, making this a widespread characteristic across the region.
Wells in Cortland County commonly exceed EPA health standards for nitrate, manganese, chloride, iron, lead, and radon. Nitrate can harm infants and pregnant women by interfering with oxygen in the blood. Manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system and brain development. Lead is especially dangerous for children and can cause lasting damage to learning and behavior. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer over time.
The very hard water in county wells creates noticeable quality-of-life issues. You may see rust-colored or brown staining on laundry, dishes, and plumbing fixtures. Hard water leaves white scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters, which can shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. Some people notice a metallic or chalky taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since 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 between $200 and $400. Treatment options like water softeners, radon ventilation systems, and iron filters can address different 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 | 14 | 43% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 94 | 24% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 92 | 14% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Lead | 59 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 89 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 198 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 54 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 81 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 14 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 92 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 110 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 163 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 14 | — | Low | Safe | |
| Hardness | 104 | — | High | Low | |
| Fecal Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 2* | 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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