Well Water in Washington County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Washington County contains manganese, radon, iron, arsenic, chloride, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and pose serious concerns for your well.

These contaminants come directly from the rock beneath your county. The Pennsylvanian-age sandstone and shale layers that hold your groundwater naturally contain iron and manganese minerals. Radon gas seeps out from the rock itself. Arsenic and sulfate dissolve into water as it moves slowly through cracks in the rock. Chloride rises where salty water has infiltrated from deeper layers or past mining activity.

Groundwater in Washington County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium released from the rock as water sits in contact with it. Iron at moderate levels and sulfate at moderate levels add to the mineral character of your water. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county, reflecting the common geology beneath the surface.

Wells in Washington County commonly contain arsenic, radon, chloride, and PFOA and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over time increases the risk of cancer and can harm organs. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in your body and raises lung cancer risk. High chloride levels can affect kidney and heart health, especially for people with certain conditions. PFOA and PFOS are chemicals linked to serious health problems including cancer and immune system damage.

Wells in this county also have very hard water with high iron, manganese, and sulfate. You will notice orange-brown or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry from the iron. Manganese can leave dark brown or black stains. Sulfate can give the water a bitter taste and cause digestive problems. The extreme hardness means thick white scale will build up inside your pipes and appliances, and hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well through a state-certified lab to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200 to $400 and will check for all these contaminants. Treatment options include radon removal systems, whole-house sediment filters, and systems that reduce hardness and remove metals.