Well Water in Mercer County: What to Test and Why

Iron, lead, and sulfate are present in Mercer County groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards and require attention.

Pennsylvanian rock layers beneath this county naturally contain iron and sulfate-bearing minerals that dissolve into groundwater over time. Lead enters water where it contacts old pipes and plumbing materials. Road salt spread on local roads also contributes chloride and sulfate to groundwater in areas where water moves through shallow, fractured rock.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard and notably high in iron. Iron dissolves naturally from the dark shale and sandstone layers that make up the aquifer beneath Mercer County. These characteristics appear across most wells in the county, though individual wells vary in their mineral content.

Wells in Mercer County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, lead, and sulfate. Lead damages children's brains and kidneys even at low levels. Chloride at elevated levels can harm people with certain health conditions. Iron and sulfate in drinking water can cause digestive problems with long-term exposure.

Wells in this county are moderately hard, and iron levels are high enough to cause visible staining. You may notice orange or brown marks on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water might taste metallic or unpleasant. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well water because every well is different and yours 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 metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include a water softener combined with an iron filter or other targeted systems.