Groundwater in Belmont County contains manganese, iron, arsenic, radon, and PFOA at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant concentrations range from moderate to very high and warrant serious attention.
These metals and contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the shale and sandstone as groundwater moves slowly through cracks in the stone. Arsenic and radon are released from minerals in these same rock layers. PFOA, an industrial chemical, may enter groundwater from disposal sites or contaminated surface water seeping downward.
Groundwater in Belmont County is very hard and iron-rich, driven by elevated iron, manganese, calcium, and sulfate from the underlying bedrock. The slow movement of water through tight rock cracks allows these minerals to dissolve and concentrate over time. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Belmont County commonly contain arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, PFHXS, PFOA, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time is linked to cancer and organ damage. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Manganese can harm brain development and the nervous system. PFOA and PFHXS are industrial chemicals linked to serious health problems including liver damage and cancer.
The water in county wells is extremely hard with very high iron and mineral content. You will see orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste metallic or salty from the high sodium and sulfate. Hard water leaves white crusty scale buildup inside pipes and on fixtures. Extremely hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and 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 you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include whole-house systems combining sediment filters with specialized filters for arsenic and other metals.
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 | 32 | 84% | 9% · 9% · 81% | Moderate | High |
| Iron | 67 | 68% | 19% · 13% · 67% | Moderate | High |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 17 | 65% | 35% · 0% · 65% | Moderate | High |
| Radon | 2 | 50% | 50% · 0% · 50% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Sulfate | 86 | 43% | 45% · 12% · 43% | Moderate | High |
| Arsenic | 13 | 42% | 38% · 23% · 38% | Low | High |
| Chloride | 68 | 15% | 74% · 12% · 15% | Moderate | Moderate |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 17 | 6% | 88% · 6% · 6% | Moderate | Moderate |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 17 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| Fluoride | 22 | 0% | 96% · 4% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Uranium | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 17 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| pH | 16 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Sodium | 74 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Hardness | 48 | — | — | Moderate | 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.
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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