Groundwater in Sullivan County contains radon, manganese, and iron as top contaminants, with arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, and radon exceeding EPA health standards. These contamination levels are serious enough to require testing and treatment planning.
The rocks beneath Sullivan County naturally release these metals and radon as groundwater moves slowly through cracks and spaces in the stone. Arsenic and manganese dissolve from minerals in the bedrock. Radon forms from radioactive elements inside the rock itself. Chloride enters from road salt spread on nearby highways and roads that seeps down into the groundwater.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, with elevated iron and manganese from the bedrock minerals. These metals dissolve into the water as it passes through fractured rock layers. Iron and manganese at these levels are common across wells throughout Sullivan County.
Wells in Sullivan County commonly contain arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, and radon at levels exceeding EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure over many years increases cancer risk and can harm organs. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in your lungs and increases lung cancer risk. Manganese at elevated levels can affect brain development, especially in children. Chloride at high levels is a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets.
Wells in this county tend to be moderately hard, which means you may see white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Iron leaves orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well 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 water so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400, and treatment options like aeration systems or arsenic filters can address these concerns.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 28 | 79% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 43 | 30% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 47 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 57 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 47 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 36 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 40 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOA | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 47 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 47 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 45 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 44 | — | Moderate | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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