Well Water in Philadelphia County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Philadelphia County contains lead, manganese, iron, chloride, sulfate, and PFOA and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough to require immediate attention and testing.

The county sits on the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain, where mixed layers of sand, gravel, and weathered rock near the surface allow contaminants to move downward into the water supply. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the minerals in these rock layers as groundwater moves through them. Lead, chloride, and sulfate enter from road salt, industrial sources, and the surrounding geology. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that have reached groundwater, likely from past industrial use or firefighting activities.

Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the limestone and mixed rock layers below. Iron is also present at high levels. These mineral characteristics are common across wells throughout the county, though individual wells can vary in their exact composition.

Wells in Philadelphia County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, iron, lead, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, and sulfate. Lead damages children's brains and nervous systems even at low levels. Manganese affects the brain and nervous system. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals linked to thyroid disease, kidney problems, and immune system harm. Chloride and sulfate at high levels can cause digestive issues.

Hard water in this county leaves white crusty scale buildup on fixtures, pipes, and inside water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. Iron stains sinks, toilets, and laundry rust-orange. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water.

We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel 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 panel typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options include activated carbon filtration, aeration systems, and ion exchange.