Well owners in Schenectady County should be aware of manganese, iron, PFOA, chloride, nitrate, radon, and sulfate in their groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and demand attention.
The limestone bedrock beneath this county naturally releases iron and manganese as water dissolves through it over time. Radon comes from radioactive decay in the rock itself. Chloride, nitrate, and sulfate enter from road salt, fertilizers, and septic systems in the area. PFOA is an industrial chemical that has contaminated some local wells from past manufacturing and disposal.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by calcium and magnesium leached from the limestone above. The same rock that creates hardness also contributes iron at moderate levels. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Schenectady County commonly exceed EPA health standards for several contaminants. Chloride, nitrate, and sulfate at elevated levels can affect kidney function and cause digestive problems. Iron and manganese can harm the nervous system and brain development, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. PFOA is a chemical linked to cancer, liver damage, and immune system problems.
County well water is very hard, which causes white scale buildup on faucets and shower heads and inside pipes and appliances. The high iron leaves rust stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Many people notice a metallic taste or reddish tint to the water. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines because scale clogs them over time.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, since every well is different and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Iron filters, radon mitigation systems, and water softeners are treatment options depending on what testing shows.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 55 | 62% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 58 | 28% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 12% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Radon | 17 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 125 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 53 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 53 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 48 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 16 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fecal Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 47 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 16 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 57 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 45 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
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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