Well Water in Monroe County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Monroe County contains radon, PFOS, and PFOA that well owners should be aware of. These contaminants exceed federal health standards and warrant testing and attention.

Radon forms naturally in the carbonate rock beneath this county as radioactive elements inside the stone break down over time. PFOS and PFOA are human-made chemicals that may enter groundwater from industrial sites, airports, or past military installations in the region. The fractured limestone that supplies water to wells here allows these contaminants to move from their sources into the water.

Groundwater in Monroe County is soft with moderate iron, which comes from minerals in the carbonate rock itself. Water flowing through cracks in limestone dissolves iron and carries it into wells. Moderate iron levels show up commonly across wells tested in this county, though individual wells vary.

Wells in Monroe County commonly contain radon, PFOA, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk with long-term exposure. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals that can affect your immune system, liver, and thyroid with repeated exposure over years.

The mineral content in county wells is relatively mild. Iron appears at moderate levels and can cause reddish-brown stains on sinks and laundry. The water here is soft, so you should not experience heavy scale buildup on pipes or shortened appliance lifespan from hardness.

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. Since multiple analytes exceed health standards, a comprehensive metals and minerals panel is recommended to see what is actually in your water so it can be properly treated. Testing is the only way to know for certain and to identify the right treatment options, such as activated carbon filters or aeration systems.