Well Water in Delaware County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Delaware County contains radon, iron, pfos, and pfoa at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough to warrant testing and treatment.

The Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system beneath this county consists of sandy and gravelly layers mixed with finer sediments. Radon comes from natural uranium in the rock. Iron dissolves from minerals in the sand and gravel as water moves through. PFOS and PFOA are industrial chemicals that have contaminated groundwater through past manufacturing and land disposal.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with moderate iron and sodium contributing to its mineral character. The sand and gravel layers here naturally release iron and allow minerals to concentrate as water moves slowly through the aquifer. These characteristics show up in wells across the county, though individual wells vary in their exact mineral content.

Wells in Delaware County commonly exceed EPA health standards for several contaminants. Iron, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate are found at elevated levels in county wells. Iron can cause anemia and organ damage with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals linked to thyroid disease, kidney problems, and other serious health effects. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases cancer risk when inhaled from water over many years. Sulfate at high levels can cause digestive issues, especially in infants and people with certain conditions.

The mineral content in county wells creates noticeable quality-of-life problems. Iron causes rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The moderately hard water leaves white crusty scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water.

We recommend testing your well right away 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 it can be properly treated. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options include activated carbon filtration for PFOA and PFOS removal, and aeration or iron filters for iron.