Well Water in Cumberland County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Cumberland County contains manganese, iron, and radon at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Well owners should test their water and consider treatment options for these contaminants.

The rock beneath this county naturally contains iron and manganese minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the ground. Radon gas comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the same rock layers. These contaminants are not from pollution or land use--they are part of the geology here.

Groundwater in this county is soft, but it does contain elevated iron that gives the water its character. Iron comes from the bedrock that feeds your well. Most wells in this county show similar iron levels, making this a widespread characteristic of the water supply.

Wells in Cumberland County commonly have iron, manganese, and radon at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese in drinking water can affect your blood and organs over time, especially with long-term exposure. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters water from soil and rock and poses serious health risks when you drink it or breathe it in from your water.

The iron in county well water can leave orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. You might notice a metallic taste in your water or see sediment settling in glasses. The good news is that the water in this county is generally soft, so you won't deal with heavy scale buildup on pipes and fixtures the way people in harder-water areas do.

We recommend getting your well tested right away since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive panel testing for metals and radon costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. Iron and manganese can often be removed with filtration systems, while radon requires specialized aeration or carbon treatment.