Well Water in Montgomery County: What to Test and Why

Radon, nitrate, nitrite, and manganese are present in Montgomery County groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. Radon and manganese exceed EPA health standards, and nitrate and nitrite levels are also concerning enough to require attention.

These contaminants come from different sources. Radon is a natural gas that seeps into groundwater from the rock layers below. Nitrate and nitrite typically enter from septic systems, fertilizers, and other sources on the land surface that seep down through the soil. Manganese, like radon, occurs naturally in the limestone and related rock that sits beneath the county.

Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium released from the carbonate rock as water moves through it. The moderate iron content also adds to the mineral character of the water. These mineral characteristics are common across wells throughout Montgomery County because the bedrock geology is consistent across the region.

Wells in Montgomery County commonly have radon, manganese, nitrate, and nitrite at levels above EPA health standards. Radon is a radioactive gas that builds up in your lungs over time and increases cancer risk. Manganese can harm your nervous system and affect how your brain works, especially in children. Nitrate and nitrite contaminate your drinking water and can interfere with how your blood carries oxygen, which is dangerous for babies and pregnant women.

Your well water in this county may have moderate iron levels that cause orange or brown staining on fixtures and laundry. The moderately hard water can leave scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters, shortening their lifespan. You might notice a metallic taste or see sediment settling in glasses, though these are more annoying than dangerous.

We recommend testing your well right away since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive panel that checks for all four contaminants plus minerals runs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what you are actually dealing with. Once you know what is in your water, you can install the right treatment like radon venting systems or nitrate filters to protect your family.