Groundwater in Bucks County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which is a serious concern requiring prompt attention.
The carbonate rock beneath Bucks County naturally releases iron and manganese as groundwater dissolves minerals along fractures. Radon forms from uranium decay within that same rock. Road salt applied to highways enters the water as chloride, and industrial chemicals PFOA and PFOS have contaminated wells in this region. Nitrate comes from septic systems and agricultural activity in the area.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the carbonate bedrock. Iron is present at moderate levels and contributes to the water's character. These mineral and contaminant characteristics are widespread across wells in Bucks County.
Wells in Bucks County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, nitrate, radon, and PFOA and PFOS (industrial chemicals). Arsenic damages the kidneys and increases cancer risk with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. PFOA and PFOS are linked to thyroid disease and other health effects.
County wells are moderately hard and contain elevated iron. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry rust-colored brown. Hard water leaves white crusty buildup on faucets and fixtures. Over time, this scale can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a metallic or bitter taste.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. 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 is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400, and treatment options like activated carbon filters and aeration systems can address multiple contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 959 | 48% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 958 | 46% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 393 | 43% | High | High | |
| Iron | 434 | 42% | High | High | |
| Radon | 133 | 20% | High | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 124 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 477 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Sulfate | 495 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 250 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 395 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 338 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 723 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Lead | 282 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 324 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 250 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 68 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 6* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 318 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 537 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 722 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 496 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 6* | 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.
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