Well Water in Franklin County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Franklin County contains radon, perfluorinated compounds (PFOA and PFOS), and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron appears at moderate levels, while radon and the PFOA and PFOS chemicals are the primary health concerns that well owners should know about.

Radon forms naturally inside the limestone and other carbonate rocks beneath this county as radioactive material breaks down deep underground. Iron dissolves from minerals locked in the rock layers as water moves slowly through cracks and fractures in the bedrock. The PFOA and PFOS chemicals come from human activities--they have been used in manufacturing and are now found in groundwater in many areas across Pennsylvania.

Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron concentrations that drive the water's mineral character. The iron comes from the natural minerals in the valley and ridge bedrock here. Moderate iron and soft water are common across wells in Franklin County, though individual wells vary in their exact water composition.

Wells in Franklin County commonly contain iron, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in from water during showers and baths. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can harm the immune system, liver, and thyroid with long-term exposure. Iron and sulfate do not directly cause health problems but indicate the water chemistry in your area.

County wells tend to have soft water, so you will not face the extreme scale buildup that harder water creates. However, wells with elevated iron can leave orange-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry that are hard to remove. You might notice a metallic taste or odor in your water depending on your well's specific conditions.

We recommend testing your well through a certified lab, since 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 metals and radon panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like aeration systems and activated carbon filters can address multiple contaminants at once.