Well Water in Lackawanna County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lackawanna County contains radon, manganese, and iron that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough to require testing and treatment.

The fractured rock beneath this county naturally holds radon gas, which dissolves into groundwater as it moves slowly through cracks. Manganese and iron also come from minerals in the rock itself, released as water passes through over time.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and notably high in iron, with moderate sulfate levels adding to the mineral content. The fractured bedrock here allows water to absorb these minerals as it flows through, and these characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Lackawanna County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters your lungs when it's released from water into the air--long-term exposure increases your risk of lung cancer. Manganese can affect brain development in children and cause neurological problems with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are synthetic chemicals that have been linked to serious health effects including kidney damage, thyroid disease, and immune system problems. Iron and sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive issues in some people.

Hard water in this county leaves white crusty scale buildup on pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Iron staining turns sinks, toilets, and laundry rust-colored or brown. The moderate sulfate levels can give water a bitter or salty taste and sometimes a rotten-egg smell. This scale buildup can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well water through a certified lab because every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Since multiple analytes exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended--this typically costs between $200 and $400. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can get the right treatment, such as aeration systems for radon or activated carbon filters for PFOA and PFOS.