Groundwater in Berks County contains manganese, radon, arsenic, and several other contaminants that exceed EPA health standards, including sulfate, iron, uranium, and PFOA. These levels are serious enough to warrant testing and treatment.
The carbonate rock beneath this county naturally releases manganese, arsenic, and radon as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and dissolves minerals over time. Radon forms when radioactive uranium trapped inside the rock decays. Sulfate builds up the same way--from prolonged contact between water and rock. Iron also dissolves from minerals in the bedrock.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone below, along with moderate iron levels that contribute to the water's mineral character. These characteristics are common across wells in Berks County.
Sulfate, arsenic, radon, PFOA, manganese, uranium, PFHXS, and PFOS all exceed EPA health standards in wells across Berks County. Arsenic and radon increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Uranium and radon are radioactive and pose serious health concerns. PFOA, PFHXS, and PFOS are linked to thyroid disease, immune system problems, and other health effects. Manganese can harm brain development in children. These contaminants have no taste, smell, or color, so you cannot detect them without testing.
Wells in this county show moderate hardness and elevated iron. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange-brown and can corrode pipes and damage appliances over time. Moderately hard water leaves white crusty buildup on fixtures and reduces how well soap works. These mineral deposits shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals panel since 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 aeration systems, activated carbon filters, and ion exchange softening.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 23 | 48% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 859 | 18% | High | High | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 859 | 18% | High | High | |
| Iron | 197 | 15% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 229 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 180 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 80 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 209 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Uranium | 33 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 63 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 213 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 135 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 163 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 156 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 823 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 163 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 189 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 245 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 822 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 177 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | 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.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
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.
Loading recent water news…