Groundwater in Lebanon County contains radon, manganese, and iron, with arsenic, lead, nitrate, PFOA, and PFOS also present. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
The carbonate rock beneath Lebanon County naturally releases these metals and radon gas into groundwater as water moves slowly through cracks and openings in the stone. Radon forms when radioactive uranium trapped in the bedrock breaks down over time. Agricultural and residential land use adds nitrate and PFOA/PFOS to the water as it seeps downward from the surface.
Groundwater in Lebanon County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone below. The carbonate aquifer naturally releases these minerals as water dissolves the rock over long periods. Very hard water is widespread across wells in this county based on the data.
Wells in Lebanon County commonly contain arsenic, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, and PFOA and PFOS chemicals, along with radon gas. Lead damages children's brain development and nervous system function. Arsenic and radon increase cancer risk over time. Manganese can affect brain development in young children. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to health problems.
The water in Lebanon County is very hard, which causes white crusty scale buildup on pipes, fixtures, and water heaters. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange or rust-colored. Manganese creates dark brown or black staining. Very hard water can shorten the lifespan of appliances like water heaters and dishwashers. Some households notice a metallic or slightly bitter taste.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different, and your water 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 well so it can be properly treated. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and radon panel is recommended and typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include aeration systems and activated carbon filters combined with water softening.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 28 | 36% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 185 | 25% | High | High | |
| Iron | 196 | 20% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 209 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 123 | 11% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 123 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 109 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 118 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 192 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 181 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 109 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 138 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 195 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 193 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 109 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 235 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 187 | — | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 2* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
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.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
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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