Well Water in Indiana County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Indiana County contains lead, manganese, iron, and other contaminants that well owners should monitor. Several of these--iron, lead, manganese, and radon--exceed EPA health standards, making testing and potential treatment important.

The rock beneath Indiana County is Mississippian-age stone that naturally contains iron and manganese. As groundwater moves slowly through cracks in this bedrock, these metals dissolve into the water. Lead enters some wells from natural deposits in the rock or from old plumbing. Radon seeps from uranium scattered throughout the stone as it breaks down over time.

Groundwater in Indiana County is high in iron and carries moderate sulfate. Iron dissolves from the Mississippian rock layers as water passes through them over years. Sulfate appears when water contacts sulfur-bearing minerals in the stone. These characteristics show up across wells throughout the county, though the exact levels vary from well to well.

Wells in Indiana County commonly contain iron, lead, manganese, radon, and sulfate at levels above EPA health standards. Lead harms brain development in children and can damage kidneys and the nervous system in adults. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in from water over many years. Manganese can affect how your brain works. Iron and sulfate are not health concerns on their own, but they add to the overall contamination picture in this county.

Wells in this county produce water that is moderately hard. Iron causes orange and brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may see white crusty scale buildup on pipes and fixtures. Sulfate can give the water a bitter or metallic taste. The mineral content here can also shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well right away with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different--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 panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like aeration systems combined with activated carbon filters can address multiple contaminants.