Well Water in Lancaster County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Lancaster County contains radon, chloride, iron, sulfate, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers concerning enough to warrant attention and testing.

These contaminants come from the geology beneath the county. Radon seeps from natural radioactive minerals in the rock layers underground. Chloride, sodium, and sulfate build up in the water as it moves slowly through sandy and clay layers near the coast, where salt water has historically seeped inland and left deposits behind. Iron and manganese dissolve into the groundwater from the surrounding rocks.

Groundwater in Lancaster County is soft and carries very high sodium as its main mineral character. Sodium concentrates here because of the coastal plain geology and the mixing of salt water with fresh groundwater over time. These characteristics are widespread across wells in the county.

Wells in Lancaster County commonly have iron, radon, chloride, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Iron can cause problems with your blood over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases the risk of lung cancer when you breathe it in over many years. Chloride and manganese can affect the nervous system and organs with long-term exposure.

County well water tends to be soft, which is good news for scale buildup. However, the high sodium content in many wells here can leave a salty taste in your water. Iron can stain your laundry, dishes, and plumbing fixtures with orange or brown marks. You might also notice a metallic taste or smell from the iron and other minerals.

We recommend testing your well water because every well is different and yours could 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 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 sodium issues, and iron filters or aeration systems can address iron concerns.