Well Water in Northampton County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Northampton County contains manganese, radon, iron, and industrial chemicals called PFOA and PFOS that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough to require attention from well owners.

The carbonate limestone rock beneath this county naturally releases manganese and iron as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and dissolves minerals over time. Radon forms inside the rock from natural radioactive decay and enters wells through those same fractures. PFOA and PFOS come from industrial sources and persist in groundwater once they enter.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium from the limestone below, and moderate iron concentrations also contribute to the water's character. The carbonate rock dissolves readily and releases these minerals as water flows through it underground. These mineral characteristics show up commonly across wells tested in this county.

Wells in Northampton County commonly contain iron, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase lung cancer risk with long-term exposure through drinking water and the air it releases into your home. Iron and manganese don't cause immediate health problems but can build up in your body over years. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that may affect your immune system, thyroid, and cholesterol levels with prolonged exposure.

Wells in this county also show moderate hardness and elevated iron, which creates noticeable quality-of-life issues. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry orange or brown. Hard water leaves white crusty scale buildup on faucets and fixtures. The scale from moderately hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time. You may also notice a metallic taste in your water.

We recommend testing your well comprehensively because multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well may have much 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. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment systems like aeration can remove radon, and activated carbon can reduce PFOA and PFOS.