Well Water in Schuylkill County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Schuylkill County contains lead, manganese, iron, and radioactive radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Sulfate is also elevated, creating multiple concerns for well owners.

Carbonate rock beneath this county naturally releases iron and manganese as groundwater slowly moves through cracks and dissolves minerals. Lead enters from old well pipes and fittings. Radon forms when radioactive uranium trapped in the rock breaks down over time. Sulfate builds up as water contacts minerals within the bedrock.

Groundwater in Schuylkill County is soft but notably high in iron. Iron dissolves directly from minerals in the carbonate rock as water passes through. These characteristics are common across wells throughout the county, though individual wells vary.

Wells in Schuylkill County commonly contain several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Iron, lead, manganese, PFOA, PFOS, radon, and sulfate all show up at levels of concern. Lead damages children's brain development and can harm kidneys in adults. Radon is a radioactive gas that gets released into the air when you use water and increases lung cancer risk over time. Manganese exposure can affect brain function and development in children. PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals that build up in your body and may increase health risks with long-term exposure.

Wells in this county tend to have high iron levels that cause orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water carries moderate amounts of sulfate, which can give water a bitter or unpleasant taste. While the county's water is relatively soft, the combination of iron and other minerals means you may notice discoloration and taste issues in daily use.

We recommend testing your well because every well is different and your water 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 well so it can be properly treated. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards here, we recommend a comprehensive metals and radon panel, which typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like aeration systems combined with activated carbon filters can address several of these concerns.