Groundwater in Montgomery County contains lead, nitrite, radon, and several other contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. These levels are concerning enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment.
These contaminants come from different sources in the county's rock and land use. Lead and nitrite can enter from old pipes and septic systems or agricultural activity. Radon seeps naturally from uranium present in the crystalline bedrock that underlies the county. Chloride and sulfate come from road salt and water movement through the rock layers.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with moderate iron and sodium as notable characteristics. Iron dissolves from minerals in the crystalline rock as water moves through it, and sodium comes partly from road salt that enters through cracks and fractures. These mineral characteristics are common across wells in Montgomery County.
Wells in Montgomery County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, lead, nitrate compounds, PFAS chemicals (including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHXS), radon, and sulfate. Lead damages children's brains and nervous systems even at low levels. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk over time. Nitrite can interfere with oxygen in blood. PFAS chemicals are linked to thyroid disease, kidney problems, and other health effects. Chloride and sulfate at elevated levels can be especially concerning for people with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
Wells in this county show moderate iron levels that cause rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Some residents notice a metallic or bitter taste in their water. Iron can also reduce water pressure and damage appliances over time.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is typical 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. Treatment options include activated carbon filters for PFAS removal, aeration systems for radon, and ion exchange for lead removal.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrite | 2 | 100% | 50% · 0% · 50% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Lead | 5 | 100% | 20% · 0% · 80% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Radon | 36 | 61% | 36% · 3% · 61% | Moderate | High ⓘ |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 549 | 55% | 32% · 13% · 55% | High | High |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 549 | 46% | 39% · 14% · 46% | High | High |
| Iron | 26 | 20% | 58% · 23% · 19% | Moderate | High |
| Chloride | 76 | 16% | 70% · 14% · 16% | Moderate | High |
| Sulfate | 79 | 14% | 75% · 11% · 14% | Moderate | Moderate |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 231 | 1% | 94% · 6% · 1% | High | Low |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 231 | 0% | 96% · 4% · 0% | High | Low |
| Fluoride | 2 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Uranium | 35 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Nitrate | 7 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 321 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | High | Safe |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 323 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | High | Low |
| Sodium | 64 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| pH | 17 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 1 | — | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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.
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.
Loading recent water news…