Well Water in Juniata County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Juniata County contains radon, iron, and PFOS--contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. The iron and PFOS levels are concerning enough to warrant attention, while radon is present at levels that pose a health risk.

Radon comes from natural radioactive elements trapped in the bedrock. Iron dissolves from minerals in the fractured rock as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and fissures. PFOS enters groundwater from industrial or military sites and persists in the environment for a long time. The Valley and Ridge geology here--with its folded and cracked rocks--creates pathways for these contaminants to reach well water.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium from the limestone and other carbonate-bearing rocks beneath the surface. These minerals are natural products of water passing through the local bedrock over time. Moderate hardness like this shows up in wells throughout the county, though individual wells vary in their exact mineral content.

Wells in Juniata County sometimes contain iron, PFOS, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron at high levels can affect blood and oxygen transport in your body. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your blood over time and may weaken your immune system and affect liver function. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over many years, especially gas released from water during showers and baths.

County well water tends to be moderately hard, which means white crusty buildup can form on pipes, faucets, and inside water heaters and dishwashers. This scale can shorten the lifespan of appliances. While iron levels in this county are generally low, any iron present can still create reddish-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The overall mineral content is not high enough to cause major quality-of-life problems for most families.

We recommend testing your well because 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 you can treat it properly. Since multiple contaminants exceed standards here, a comprehensive metals and radon panel is recommended, which typically costs $200-400. Aeration systems and activated carbon filters can address several of these concerns.