Well Water in Lancaster County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lancaster County contains lead, radon, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Chloride, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate are also present above safe drinking water limits, making this a serious multi-contaminant situation requiring immediate attention.

These contaminants come from the crystalline bedrock beneath the county and from road salt applied to local highways and roads. The fractured granite and similar hard rock naturally contains uranium, which breaks down to form radon gas that dissolves into groundwater. Lead enters water as it passes through old well pipes and fittings. Iron dissolves directly from the minerals in the rock itself as acidic groundwater moves through tiny cracks and fractures over time.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with moderate iron being the primary aesthetic characteristic. The crystalline bedrock releases iron as water sits in contact with the rock minerals. Most wells in Lancaster County show these moderate iron and hardness characteristics, though individual wells vary in their specific water quality.

Wells in Lancaster County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, lead, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate. Lead damages children's brain development and can harm the kidneys and nervous system in people of all ages. Radon is a radioactive gas that escapes from water into the air you breathe indoors and increases lung cancer risk. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to serious health effects including thyroid disease and immune system problems. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can affect people with certain medical conditions.

Iron in county wells causes rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water leaves white crusty scale buildup on pipes and fixtures and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Some households notice a metallic or bitter taste in the water. These mineral deposits make cleaning harder and require more soap and detergent.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. 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 and can identify all of these concerns at once. Treatment options include whole-house filtration systems, aeration for radon removal, and activated carbon filters for chemical contaminants.