Groundwater in Lebanon County contains arsenic, lead, manganese, radon, and PFOA/PFOS. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the carbonate bedrock beneath the county. Arsenic, manganese, and radon dissolve naturally from the limestone and dolomite rock as water moves slowly through cracks and tiny spaces underground. Lead enters through old pipes and brass fixtures in some homes. PFOA and PFOS are synthetic chemicals that contaminate groundwater through industrial and commercial sources in the region.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium from the limestone bedrock. Iron is present at moderate levels and also contributes to the water's mineral character. These characteristics are common across many wells in Lebanon County, though individual wells vary in their specific levels.
Wells in Lebanon County commonly contain arsenic, lead, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and radon raise the risk of cancer over time. Lead harms the brain and kidneys, especially in children. Manganese at elevated levels can affect brain development and nervous system function.
Wells in this county are moderately hard, and iron is present at moderate levels. Hard water leaves white crusty scale on pipes and fixtures, and it can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Iron stains sinks and laundry orange-brown. These quality-of-life issues make daily water use frustrating, though sodium and sulfate levels remain low.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and 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 include aeration systems, activated carbon filters, and reverse osmosis, depending on which contaminants are found.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 2 | 100% | 50% · 0% · 50% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Manganese | 2 | 100% | 50% · 0% · 50% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Radon | 24 | 50% | 38% · 12% · 50% | Moderate | High ⓘ |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 113 | 12% | 81% · 6% · 12% | High | Moderate |
| Arsenic | 29 | 11% | 76% · 14% · 10% | Moderate | Moderate |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 113 | 9% | 80% · 12% · 9% | High | Moderate |
| Fluoride | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 99 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| Chloride | 69 | 0% | 97% · 3% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Sulfate | 26 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Iron | 7 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 15 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Uranium | 16 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe |
| Hardness | 16 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| pH | 13 | — | — | Low | Low |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 67 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 99 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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