Groundwater in Montgomery County contains PFOA, PFOS, radon, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFHXS, PFNA, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making this a serious concern for well owners.
These contaminants come from multiple sources in the county. Radon seeps naturally from uranium present in the crystalline rock beneath the surface. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have contaminated groundwater through industrial activity and firefighting foam use. Arsenic, manganese, and iron dissolve from minerals in the bedrock as water moves through fractures and cracks in the crystalline rock. Nitrate comes from agricultural and urban land use. Chloride and sulfate enter from road salt applied to highways and from natural mineral dissolution.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the crystalline rock. The moderate iron levels also contribute to the water's mineral character. These mineral characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Montgomery County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, radon, fluoride, nitrate, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS chemicals like PFOA and PFOS). Arsenic exposure raises cancer risk and can harm the brain and nervous system. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when inhaled over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can prevent oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. PFAS chemicals are linked to thyroid disease, immune system problems, and other serious health effects.
Wells in this county show very hard water, which leaves white crusty scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Iron at moderate levels causes rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Over time, the mineral deposits from hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic taste or smell in the water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is typical here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200 to $400 and can identify which contaminants need removal. Treatment options include activated carbon filters for PFAS removal and aeration systems to address radon and iron.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 780 | 55% | High | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 780 | 46% | High | High | |
| Radon | 60 | 20% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 79 | 19% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 126 | 14% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 149 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Sulfate | 152 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 142 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 142 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 231 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 152 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 231 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 552 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Lead | 92 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 94 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 81 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 4* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 152 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 554 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 173 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 133 | — | High | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 4* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
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.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
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.
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