Well Water in Washington County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Washington County contains manganese, nitrate, iron, arsenic, chloride, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants are present at concerning concentrations and deserve attention from well owners.

These contaminants come from a mix of sources in the local rocks and land use. Manganese and iron occur naturally in the rock layers beneath the county. Nitrate, chloride, and sulfate can come from soil, agricultural activity, and the natural mineral composition of the underground rocks that water passes through.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rocks below. The county's geology concentrates these minerals as water moves through the rock layers over time. Very hard water is common across wells in Washington County based on what the data shows.

Wells in Washington County commonly have arsenic, chloride, nitrate, iron, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Nitrate is especially harmful to infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can cause nervous system problems with long-term exposure.

The very hard water in county wells causes visible staining from iron and manganese on fixtures, sinks, and laundry. You may notice scale buildup in pipes and on appliances, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Some people report a metallic or unpleasant taste in the water.

Every well is different, and your well may have much 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 you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or iron filters can help address multiple concerns at once.