Well Water in Delaware County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Delaware County contains radon, manganese, and PFOA as top contaminants, with iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon all exceeding EPA health standards. These levels are concerning enough that well owners should be aware and consider testing.

The rock beneath Delaware County naturally contains radioactive material that breaks down into radon gas, which seeps into groundwater through cracks and fractures. Iron and manganese dissolve from the rock as water moves underground. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that enter groundwater from industrial sites, landfills, or other land sources in the area.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron as the main mineral character. Iron concentrates in the water because of the rock composition and low-oxygen conditions underground where iron dissolves easily. Most wells in Delaware County show these moderate iron levels, though individual wells vary depending on their depth and location.

Wells in Delaware County commonly have elevated iron, manganese, and radioactive radon gas. They may also contain PFOA and PFOS, which are industrial chemicals. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from rock below ground and can increase lung cancer risk when you breathe it in. Manganese can affect how your brain works and cause nervous system problems with long-term exposure. Iron and the PFOA and PFOS chemicals do not cause immediate illness, but exposure over many years can harm your health.

The iron in county wells can leave orange or rust-colored staining on fixtures, laundry, and pipes. Some people notice a metallic taste in their water. The good news is that Delaware County wells tend to have soft water, so you should not see heavy white scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespan like in harder-water areas.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what contaminants are present so you can treat them properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like radon mitigation systems and iron filters can address these concerns once you know your results.