Manganese, iron, arsenic, nitrite, chloride, lead, nitrate, and PFOA and PFOS are present in Erie County groundwater. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and deserve attention.
The rock beneath this county naturally contains manganese and iron, which dissolve into groundwater as water moves through cracks and fractures. Arsenic also occurs naturally in the local bedrock. Nitrate and nitrite come from agricultural activity and septic systems. Chloride enters from road salt spread during winter. Lead seeps in where water contacts older pipes and plumbing. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that have contaminated some wells.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone-rich rock below. Iron at moderate levels contributes to the water's mineral character. Hard water and iron are common traits across wells in this county.
Wells in Erie County commonly have several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Nitrate and nitrite can harm infants and affect oxygen in the blood. Arsenic builds up in the body over time and increases cancer risk. Lead damages children's brains and nervous systems. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can affect the immune system and liver. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with high blood pressure.
The county's water is hard, which means you may see white or tan scale buildup inside pipes and on fixtures. Iron causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water this severe can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You might notice a metallic or bitter taste in the water.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours may have much higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to check for all these contaminants. Treatment options like water softeners paired with iron filters or reverse osmosis systems can help address multiple concerns.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 113 | 46% | High | High | |
| Iron | 312 | 35% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 76 | 22% | Moderate | High | |
| Lead | 84 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 432 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 201 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 201 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 164 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 108 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 116 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 149 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 45 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 45 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 5 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 102 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 122 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 276 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 151 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 419 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…