Groundwater in Washington County contains radon, manganese, iron, arsenic, chloride, lead, nitrate, PFOS, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and should concern well owners who rely on private wells.
These contaminants come from multiple sources in the local rocks and soil. Radon, arsenic, and uranium occur naturally in the rock below. Manganese and iron also come from the minerals in the bedrock. Nitrate and chloride often enter groundwater from agricultural land, septic systems, and road salt applied during winter.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the local rock. The bedrock here contains minerals that release these elements into water as it flows underground. Very hard water is widespread across wells in Washington County.
Wells in Washington County often contain arsenic, lead, uranium, radon, nitrate, chloride, and PFOS at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are radioactive elements that can harm your kidneys and bones with long-term exposure. Lead damages the nervous system, especially in children, even at low amounts. Nitrate is dangerous for babies and can cause serious illness. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. PFOS and chloride also pose health concerns with repeated exposure over time.
The very hard water in county wells creates real problems around the house. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. It makes soap less effective for washing and can turn your skin dry. Appliances like water heaters and dishwashers wear out faster because of mineral deposits inside them. You may notice staining on fixtures or a chalky feeling on your skin after showering.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive panel to find out exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners can help with hardness, and other filters can remove specific contaminants like arsenic or radon.
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 | 738 | 100% | High | High ⓘ | |
| Manganese | 1441 | 20% | High | High | |
| Iron | 1254 | 15% | High | Moderate | |
| Lead | 3916 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 2318 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 2760 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 2985 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Uranium | 2262 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 2791 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 2898 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Sulfate | 62 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 990 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 18 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| pH | 780 | — | High | Low | |
| Sodium | 1224 | — | 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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