Well Water in Lycoming County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lycoming County contains radon, iron, and PFOS as top concerns. Several contaminants exceed EPA health standards: radon, iron, PFOA, PFOS, chloride, and sulfate warrant attention.

Radon seeps naturally from Mississippian rock layers that contain radioactive elements. Iron and chloride dissolve from the bedrock as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces in the stone. PFOA and PFOS are industrial compounds that have entered groundwater through past disposal or spills in the area. Sulfate forms when water contacts minerals in the rock.

Groundwater in this county is soft, with moderate iron as the primary mineral character. Iron dissolves from the fractured bedrock as water passes through, while sulfate accumulates through the same slow process. Iron at these levels shows up in a significant share of wells across the county, though radon presence varies more by location.

Wells in Lycoming County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, pfoa, pfos, and radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase lung cancer risk over many years of exposure through inhalation. Chloride at elevated levels is a concern for people with high blood pressure or heart conditions. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals linked to health problems including liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure. Iron itself is not a direct health threat, but it can carry other harmful substances into your body.

The moderate iron levels in county wells create orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may also notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. The water in this county is relatively soft, so you won't see heavy scale buildup on pipes and appliances the way harder water causes.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel since multiple analytes 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, and treatment options like radon aeration systems combined with iron filters can address these concerns.