Iron, manganese, and radon are present in Warren County's groundwater and all exceed EPA health standards. These contamination levels are serious enough to require testing and treatment.
The Pennsylvanian rock layers beneath Warren County naturally contain iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves slowly through cracks in the stone. Radon seeps from radioactive elements trapped in these same rock formations. Low-oxygen conditions deep in the aquifer make it easier for these metals and gases to dissolve and remain in the water.
Groundwater in this county is hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below, and notably high in iron and manganese. These minerals concentrate here because water sits for long periods in the fractured Pennsylvanian rock, allowing time for dissolution. Wells across Warren County commonly show these characteristics.
Wells in Warren County commonly exceed EPA health standards for iron, manganese, and radon. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system and brain development, particularly in children. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters groundwater from natural rock formations and increases the risk of lung cancer with long-term exposure.
Hard water is common in this county's wells. Iron causes orange-brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. Manganese can leave brown or black staining. The mineral-rich water will taste metallic. Scale buildup occurs on pipes and inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can shorten their lifespan.
We recommend testing your well water right away since multiple analytes exceed EPA standards in county wells. 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 metals and minerals panel typically costs $200-$400 and can identify iron, manganese, radon, and hardness. Treatment options include water softeners paired with radon mitigation systems.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 34 | 74% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 30 | 70% | Moderate | High | |
| Radon | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 29 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 60 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 22 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 62 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 62 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 34 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 60 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 31 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 34 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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