Groundwater in Montour County contains radon, arsenic, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that testing and awareness are important for well owners.
The Valley and Ridge rocks beneath this county naturally contain radioactive elements that produce radon, arsenic-bearing minerals, and iron sulfide deposits that release sulfate into water. As groundwater moves slowly through fractures in these folded rock layers, it dissolves these elements and carries them into wells.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by moderate levels of iron. The rock formations here contain iron-bearing minerals that dissolve as water passes through, and moderate hardness comes from calcium in the bedrock. Iron appears in most wells across the county at these moderate concentrations, while hardness varies from well to well depending on depth and local rock composition.
Wells in this county commonly contain arsenic, radon, iron, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and radon are the most serious concerns because long-term exposure to either one raises the risk of cancer. Iron and sulfate at elevated levels can also affect your health over time, though the risks are different from arsenic and radon.
Hard water is common in Montour County wells, and it can cause visible problems around your home. You may notice orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Hard water also leaves white scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, and it can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well because 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. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards here, a comprehensive metals panel is recommended and typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like iron filters and radon aeration systems can address these concerns once you know your results.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 3 | 67% | 33% · 0% · 67% | Low | High ⓘ |
| Arsenic | 13 | 25% | 46% · 31% · 23% | Low | High |
| Sulfate | 67 | 9% | 76% · 15% · 9% | Moderate | Moderate |
| Iron | 22 | 5% | 68% · 27% · 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
| Fluoride | 3 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Manganese | 2 | 0% | 50% · 50% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 24 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| Chloride | 59 | 0% | 98% · 2% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 24 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 24 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Uranium | 3 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Hardness | 17 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Lead | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Sodium | 50 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 24 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | Moderate | Safe |
| pH | 10 | — | — | Low | Low |
| E. coli | 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.
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