Well Water in Venango County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Venango County contains radon, pfos, and lead, all of which exceed EPA health standards. These contaminant levels are serious enough to warrant attention from well owners.

Radon seeps into groundwater from uranium naturally present in the rock layers below. Lead enters the water where it contacts old well components and pipes. PFOS is a manufactured chemical that persists in groundwater and may come from industrial activity or firefighting foam use in the area.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock as water moves through it. The Pennsylvanian rock layers here naturally contain these minerals and release them into water over time. Moderate hardness like this is common across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Venango County commonly contain lead, PFOS, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Lead can harm children's brain development and damage the nervous system and kidneys in people of all ages. PFOS is a chemical that builds up in the body over time and can affect the immune system and liver. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer with long-term exposure through drinking water.

The mineral content in county wells is moderate, with low sodium and sulfate levels. This means you are unlikely to experience the taste and odor problems or staining issues common in harder water areas. Your water should not cause heavy scale buildup on pipes or shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.

We recommend testing your well water through a certified lab since multiple analytes exceed health standards. Every well is different, and yours 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 metals and radon panel typically costs $200 to $400 and can identify which contaminants need attention--treatment options like activated carbon filters or radon aeration systems are available.