Well Water in Pike County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Pike County contains radon, arsenic, chloride, and fluorinated chemicals called pfoa and pfos. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.

Radon seeps naturally from the carbonate rock beneath the county as radioactive material inside the stone breaks down. Arsenic occurs naturally in the rock layers here. Chloride and the fluorinated chemicals enter groundwater from human sources--road salt on highways and industrial use spread these contaminants through soil into wells. The fractured carbonate bedrock allows water to move quickly, carrying these substances downward.

Groundwater in Pike County is soft, with iron present at moderate levels. The carbonate rock dissolves slightly as water passes through it, releasing some iron into the supply. Iron appears in a moderate amount across many wells in this county, though levels vary from well to well.

Wells in Pike County commonly contain arsenic, chloride, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and nervous system over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from rock underground--breathing it released from water into the air increases your risk of lung cancer. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that build up in your body and can affect your immune system and liver.

The mineral content in county wells is actually favorable for your fixtures and appliances. Wells here have soft water, so you should not see heavy white scale buildup or shortened appliance lifespan. Iron appears at moderate levels and can create reddish-brown stains on fixtures and laundry, though some people notice only a slight metallic taste.

We recommend a comprehensive water test to learn what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what contaminants are present so they can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like aeration systems and activated carbon filters can address multiple contaminants.