Well Water in Monroe County: What to Test and Why

Iron and manganese are present in Monroe County groundwater and exceed EPA health standards for drinking water. These levels are concerning enough to warrant attention from well owners in this area.

Iron and manganese dissolve directly from the rock layers beneath the county. The Pennsylvanian rocks here -- sandstone and shale formed from ancient sediments -- contain iron minerals that release into the water as it moves slowly through cracks and fractures deep underground. Lead also appears in the water from natural minerals in the same rock.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock. Iron at moderate levels and the moderately hard character come from the same Pennsylvanian rock formations that supply your water. These characteristics are common across wells in Monroe County, though individual wells vary in their specific levels.

Wells in Monroe County commonly contain iron and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese are metals that dissolve from rock layers underground. Exposure to elevated levels of these metals over time can harm your health, affecting your nervous system and brain function.

Beyond health concerns, the moderately hard water in this county creates everyday problems. Iron causes orange-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water leaves white crusty buildup on fixtures and inside pipes, and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards here, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like whole-house sediment filters combined with oxidation systems can remove iron and manganese.