Well Water in Steuben County: What to Test and Why

Steuben County groundwater contains radon, iron, chloride, PFOA, and PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require your attention.

The fractured rock beneath Steuben County naturally releases radon gas as uranium in the bedrock decays. Iron dissolves into the water as it passes through these rock layers. Chloride enters from road salt spread on winter roads and from animal waste on agricultural land. PFOA and PFOS are synthetic chemicals that accumulate in groundwater near certain industrial or military sites and areas with heavy firefighting foam use.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated iron being the most notable mineral character. Iron dissolves from the surrounding rock as water moves slowly through fractures and pores. Moderately hard water with moderate iron levels is common across wells in Steuben County.

Steuben County wells commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, PFOA, PFOS, and radon. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with high blood pressure or heart disease. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that can affect liver function and immune system development with long-term exposure. Iron itself is not toxic but radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over time.

Moderately hard water in county wells causes white scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange-brown. You may notice a metallic taste in your water. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different--your well 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 water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400 and can identify which treatment systems--such as radon aeration or ion exchange softening--would work best for your situation.