Well Water in Northumberland County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Northumberland County contains manganese, iron, radon, PFOS, and sulfate--several of which exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels. Iron reaches very high concentrations, and both manganese and radon also pose serious health risks in this county's wells.

These contaminants come from the Valley and Ridge rock layers that underlie the county. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from minerals in the folded shale and sandstone bedrock as groundwater moves through cracks and fractures. Radon escapes from tiny amounts of radioactive elements trapped in the rock itself. PFOS and sulfate likely enter from a combination of the bedrock chemistry and past industrial or land-use activities in the area.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven primarily by very high iron content. Iron dissolves directly from the iron-bearing minerals in the shale and sandstone layers as water sits in contact with the rock underground. These characteristics show up commonly across wells throughout Northumberland County.

Wells in Northumberland County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, radon, and PFOS. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can harm the brain and kidneys, particularly in children and pregnant people. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from bedrock and gets released into the air you breathe in your home, increasing lung cancer risk over time. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in your body and can affect immune function and thyroid health.

The extremely high iron in county wells causes orange-brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry that is difficult to remove. Hard water from mineral content leaves thick white crusty buildup on pipes and fixtures, and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. The moderate sulfate levels give water a bitter or salty taste that some people find unpleasant.

We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and radon panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different--your water may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400, and aeration systems combined with filtration can address both the radon and iron concerns.