Well Water in Montgomery County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Montgomery County contains iron, radon, sulfate, chloride, and lead. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and deserve your attention.

The carbonate rock beneath this county naturally releases iron and sulfate as water moves through it over time. Radon seeps in from radioactive elements in the bedrock. Chloride and lead can come from road salt, old pipes, or natural mineral deposits in the rock.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock. The rock dissolves slowly as water passes through it, releasing these minerals. Hard water and moderate iron levels are common across wells in Montgomery County.

Chloride, lead, radon, and sulfate are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in Montgomery County wells. Lead can damage children's brain development and cause learning problems. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer over time. Chloride and sulfate at high levels can cause digestive issues and other health problems in some people.

Hard water is common in this county and can leave orange or brown staining on fixtures and clothes. You may notice a metallic or rotten egg taste in your water. Hard water also makes soap work less well and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Scale buildup in pipes and appliances is another concern.

We recommend testing your well as soon as possible since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your water 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 well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and radon panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars, and treatment options like radon ventilation systems or iron filters can address these concerns.