Well Water in Sullivan County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Sullivan County contains radon, iron, and PFOA, which well owners should be aware of. Iron and the fluorinated chemicals PFNA and PFOA exceed EPA health standards, while radon also exceeds its action level.

These contaminants come from different sources. Iron and radon occur naturally in the limestone and carbonate rock below the county. The rock dissolves and releases iron as groundwater moves slowly through it, and radon forms from natural radioactive material within the rock. PFOA and PFNA are industrial chemicals that have entered groundwater from manufacturing sites or contaminated areas and persist as they move through the aquifer.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with only a moderate amount of iron contributing to the water's character. The carbonate rock beneath Sullivan County naturally contains iron compounds that dissolve into water as it passes through the stone. Iron is found in a moderate portion of wells tested across the county, making it a common feature of local groundwater.

Wells in Sullivan County commonly contain iron, PFNA, PFOA, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Iron exposure over time can affect your blood and organs. PFNA and PFOA are chemicals that build up in your body and can harm your immune system, liver, and kidneys. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from natural decay in bedrock, and breathing it in over time increases your risk of lung cancer.

Sullivan County wells are soft, which is good news for scale buildup. However, iron can create reddish-brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You might notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. These stains are hard to clean but won't damage your pipes or appliances the way extremely hard water would.

We recommend a comprehensive metals and radon panel to find out what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Radon can be removed with aeration systems, and activated carbon filters can reduce PFOA and PFNA.