Groundwater in Montgomery County contains radon, manganese, iron, arsenic, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and PFOA. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so well owners in this county should test their water and consider treatment.
These contaminants come from the rock layers and soil in the coastal lowlands where the county sits. Radon comes from radioactive minerals in the rock. Iron and manganese dissolve naturally from the sandy and clay layers underground. Arsenic, chloride, and nitrate can seep in from industrial activity, agriculture, and saltwater mixing near the coast. PFOA enters from industrial sites and firefighting foam.
Groundwater in Montgomery County is moderately hard, driven by moderate levels of iron and sodium dissolved from the aquifer rock. The coastal lowlands geology naturally releases these minerals as water moves through sandy and clay-rich layers. Many wells across the county show similar mineral concentrations, making these characteristics widespread in the area.
Wells in Montgomery County commonly contain arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOA, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can cause serious illness. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. PFOA, fluoride, manganese, and chloride also pose health concerns at elevated levels.
The moderate hardness and iron content in county wells create staining on fixtures and clothes, white scale buildup on pipes and appliances, and discolored or cloudy water. You may notice a metallic taste or odor. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well. We recommend a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county -- testing typically costs $200-400. Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Water softeners can address hardness, and certain filters can reduce iron and other contaminants.
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 | 15 | 53% | Moderate | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 263 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 281 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 155 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 69 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Arsenic | 214 | 1% | High | Low | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 233 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 412 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 233 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Lead | 211 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 233 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 233 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 233 | 0% | High | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 149 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 79 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 95 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 148 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 233 | — | High | Low | |
| Hardness | 143 | — | High | 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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