Groundwater in Chester County contains lead, manganese, radon, arsenic, iron, and several other contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These concentrations are serious enough that well owners need immediate testing and treatment.
The basin rock beneath Chester County naturally releases metals like iron, manganese, and arsenic into the water as it sits underground in low-oxygen conditions. Radon seeps from uranium trapped in the rock, and human activities add lead through old pipes and pfoa through industrial use and firefighting foam.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated iron being the main aesthetic concern. Iron dissolves from minerals in the basin rock layers as water passes through over time. Most wells in Chester County show these iron and hardness characteristics, though levels vary from well to well.
Wells in Chester County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, lead, radon, and PFOA and PFOS. Arsenic and lead damage the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases cancer risk when breathed in over time. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to thyroid disease and other health problems.
Iron in county wells causes rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The mineral levels here are moderate overall, so you may not see heavy scale buildup, but iron can still leave visible marks. Some people notice a metallic taste or odor in their water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what is in your water. 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 needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options include whole-house filtration systems and aeration to remove iron and radon.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 4 | 100% | 25% · 0% · 75% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Manganese | 4 | 67% | 25% · 25% · 50% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Radon | 99 | 59% | 32% · 9% · 59% | Moderate | High ⓘ |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 423 | 49% | 29% · 22% · 49% | High | High |
| Iron | 25 | 38% | 44% · 20% · 36% | Moderate | High |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 421 | 31% | 48% · 21% · 31% | High | High |
| Arsenic | 10 | 22% | 50% · 30% · 20% | Low | High |
| Sulfate | 98 | 7% | 86% · 7% · 7% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Chloride | 76 | 5% | 90% · 5% · 5% | Moderate | Moderate |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 95 | 0% | 99% · 1% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 385 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | High | Low |
| Uranium | 52 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 95 | 0% | 98% · 2% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 385 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | High | Low |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 1 | — | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 57 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| pH | 24 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Fluoride | 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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