Groundwater in Centre County contains radon, iron, and sulfate that well owners should monitor. Iron and sulfate exceed EPA health standards, and radon also exceeds its limit, making these contaminants a concern at the levels found here.
The Valley and Ridge bedrock beneath Centre County naturally contains these elements. Iron and sulfate dissolve into groundwater as water moves slowly through the fractured shale and other rock layers underground. Radon seeps from uranium that breaks down naturally in the rock over time.
Groundwater in Centre County carries moderate iron from the surrounding rock. The water is soft rather than hard, so calcium and magnesium are not the primary minerals of concern here. Iron at these moderate levels shows up in wells across the county, while sulfate and radon vary more from well to well.
Wells in Centre County commonly contain iron, PFOA, radon, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Iron can cause problems with blood and organ function. PFOA is a chemical linked to cancer and immune system damage. Radon is radioactive and increases lung cancer risk when inhaled over time. Sulfate can upset your stomach and digestion.
Iron in county wells leaves orange-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste or smell in your water. These mineral issues affect daily life and can damage plumbing and appliances.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Aeration systems and specialized filters can help reduce these 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 20 | 45% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 121 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 129 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 100 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 101 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 145 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 233 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 233 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 135 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 130 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 216 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 136 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 44 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 134 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 131 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 167 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 216 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 136 | — | High | 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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