Groundwater in Montgomery County contains manganese, radon, and PFOS, along with several other contaminants that exceed EPA health standards including PFOA, chloride, sulfate, iron, and PFHXS. These levels are serious enough to require testing and attention.
The contaminants come from a combination of sources. Manganese, iron, and radon occur naturally in the fractured bedrock that underlies the county--as groundwater moves through cracks in the rock, these metals and radioactive gas dissolve into the water. Chloride and sulfate wash in from road salt, agricultural activity, and natural mineral deposits. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have entered some wells through contamination pathways.
Groundwater in Montgomery County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock below. Iron at moderate levels also contributes to the water's character. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells in the county and reflect the geology underlying the region.
Wells in Montgomery County commonly exceed EPA health standards for PFOA, PFOS, PFHXS, radon, manganese, iron, chloride, and sulfate. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that can harm your liver and immune system with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Manganese can damage your brain and nervous system over time. Chloride at elevated levels can raise your blood pressure.
County well water is extremely hard, which leaves thick white crusty buildup on faucets and pipes. Iron causes orange and rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water may taste salty or bitter from chloride and sulfate. Water this hard can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well right away with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel. 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 it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems and radon aeration systems.
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 | 11 | 80% | 9% · 18% · 73% | Low | High |
| Radon | 15 | 47% | 40% · 13% · 47% | Moderate | High ⓘ |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 54 | 30% | 70% · 0% · 30% | Moderate | High |
| Sulfate | 59 | 20% | 66% · 14% · 20% | Moderate | High |
| Iron | 7 | 17% | 29% · 57% · 14% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Chloride | 62 | 15% | 74% · 11% · 14% | Moderate | Moderate |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 54 | 6% | 70% · 24% · 6% | Moderate | Moderate |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 54 | 2% | 98% · 0% · 2% | Moderate | Low |
| Uranium | 17 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 54 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 54 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| Fluoride | 13 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 8 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| pH | 8 | — | — | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 54 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Sodium | 53 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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