Well Water in Monroe County: What to Test and Why

Radon, iron, chloride, and sulfate are present in Monroe County groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant testing and possible treatment.

These contaminants come from the mixed rock layers beneath Monroe County. Radon enters from natural uranium decay in the bedrock. Iron dissolves from the surrounding rocks as water passes through them. Chloride can come from road salt and other sources on the land surface that seep downward into wells.

Groundwater in Monroe County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the underlying rocks. As water moves slowly through the stone layers below, it picks up these minerals and holds them in solution. Very hard water is common across wells throughout this county.

Wells in Monroe County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, radon, and sulfate. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater naturally and increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in your home. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Sulfate can cause digestive problems, especially in infants and people with certain health conditions. Iron itself does not pose a direct health threat, but it concentrates with other contaminants in county wells.

Monroe County has very hard water, which causes scale buildup inside pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers that can shorten their lifespan. The iron and minerals leave orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water makes soap less effective and leaves residue on skin and hair. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water.

We recommend a comprehensive water test to find out what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Testing is the only way to know what treatment your well needs. Depending on results, water softeners, radon mitigation systems, or other treatments can address specific problems.