Well Water in Mifflin County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Mifflin County contains radon, iron, and sulfate that well owners should monitor. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

The Valley and Ridge bedrock beneath this county is folded and heavily fractured, creating pathways for contamination. Radon seeps from uranium naturally present in the rock layers. Iron dissolves from minerals in the shale and other rock types as water moves through cracks and fractures. Sulfate enters groundwater where certain rock layers containing sulfur-bearing minerals come into contact with water.

Groundwater in Mifflin County is moderately hard, with iron as the main aesthetic concern. Iron dissolves from minerals in the bedrock as water sits in contact with these rock layers over time. These characteristics show up commonly across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Mifflin County commonly contain sulfate, lead, radon, chloride, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure through inhalation. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Sulfate at elevated levels can cause digestive problems. Chloride and iron also present health concerns when they accumulate in your body over time.

The mineral content in county wells creates noticeable quality-of-life problems. Iron leaves orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The moderately hard water leaves white crusty buildup on fixtures and pipes, and this scale can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice unpleasant tastes or odors from sulfate in your water.

We recommend testing your well water through a certified lab, since every well is different and yours 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. Because multiple analytes exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and radon panel is recommended, typically costing $200 to $400. Aeration systems and specialized filters can address several of these contaminants.