Groundwater in Armstrong County contains arsenic, fluoride, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners need to take action.
Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the High Plains aquifer rock and soil layers across this region. Iron comes from minerals in the underground rock that dissolve into the water as it moves through the ground. All three contaminants are common in this area because of the geology beneath the county.
Groundwater in Armstrong County is very hard, driven by high concentrations of calcium and magnesium from the rock layers below. These minerals dissolve naturally as water passes through the aquifer over time. Very hard water is the standard condition for most wells in this county.
Arsenic, fluoride, and iron are found at levels exceeding EPA health standards in wells throughout Armstrong County. Arsenic exposure over time can cause skin problems, increased cancer risk, and damage to the heart and blood vessels. Fluoride at high levels can weaken bones and cause dental problems. Iron above health limits can harm your organs, especially your heart and liver.
Very hard water is common in this county, which means you'll see white scale buildup on faucets and fixtures. Your water heater, dishwasher, and other appliances will wear out faster because of this hardness. You may notice spots on dishes and glassware after washing, and soap won't lather as easily in showers and baths.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what's common here. Testing is the only way to know what's actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Water softeners can help with hardness, and specialized filters can reduce arsenic and fluoride.
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 | 99 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 316 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 87 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 73 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 93 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 15 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 24 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | Low | 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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