Well Water in Herkimer County: What to Test and Why

Lead, radon, sulfate, and uranium are present in Herkimer County groundwater and well owners need to know about them. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which means they require attention.

Limestone rock beneath this county naturally releases radon and uranium as they decay over time. Lead enters groundwater from old plumbing and brass fittings in wells and homes. Sulfate dissolves from the rock and soil as water moves underground.

Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron, driven by iron minerals in the limestone bedrock. As water flows through the rock, it picks up these iron compounds. Iron at these levels is common across many wells in the county.

Wells in Herkimer County commonly exceed EPA health standards for lead, radon, sulfate, and uranium. Lead damages your brain and nervous system, especially in children and pregnant women. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in. Uranium builds up in your body over time and can harm your kidneys and bones.

The water in county wells is soft, so you won't have heavy scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespans. Moderate iron levels can leave orange or brown stains on fixtures and clothes. Some people notice a metallic taste in their water. These mineral concerns are mainly about appearance and taste, not health.

Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all four contaminants. Treatment options like carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and radon aeration can address these concerns once you have your results.