Well Water in Tioga County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Tioga County contains arsenic, chloride, iron, lead, radon, and sulfate--several of which exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are concerning enough to warrant testing and treatment.

The fractured rock beneath Tioga County naturally releases radon, iron, and arsenic into groundwater. Radon comes from tiny amounts of radioactive material in the bedrock. Road salt applied to highways and local roads introduces chloride and contributes to elevated sodium. Lead enters from old pipes and fixtures in some wells. Sulfate forms when water contacts certain minerals as it moves through the rock layers.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by moderate iron and sulfate levels. The fractured bedrock allows water to sit in contact with minerals that dissolve slowly into the water supply. These characteristics show up across many wells in the county.

Arsenic, chloride, lead, and radon exceed EPA health standards in wells across Tioga County. Arsenic builds up in your body over time and increases the risk of cancer. Lead harms brain development in children and can damage the nervous system in adults. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in over many years. Chloride at high levels can affect people with heart conditions and high blood pressure.

Wells in this county are moderately hard, which means you will see white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures. Iron causes orange or brown staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in the water or a musty smell. Moderately hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend having your well tested with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since 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 well so it can be properly treated. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options include radon aeration systems combined with whole-house filtration for metals removal.